The Bgr Aerogravity System: Results From A Survey Of The German Bight (North Sea)

The Federal Institute of Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) has carried out a multitude of gravity surveys onboard marine research vessels since the 1960s. Since 1984 these measurements are performed with the KSS31 gravity meter system. This system has been modified and complemented during the last years for use in aerogravity surveys as well. In May 2007 the first aerogravity campaign was carried out with this updated system. Gravity data of the main part of the German exclusive economic zone in the North Sea were obtained. During 17 flights 32 northwest-southeast running profiles with a spacing of 5 km and 11 tie profiles with a spacing of 20 and 30 km respectively were surveyed. The total profile length added up to 10500 km. The standard survey altitude was 1000 ft above sea level. Depending on the wind speed and direction the survey ground velocity ranged between 170 and 230 km/h.