Gravimetry

Gravimetry and Gravity gradiometry is a field of science which supposedly measures the strength of the earth's gravitational field. In these discussions Gravimetry is often used as evidence that the gravitational field of the earth varies with latitude and by location.

It has been found that Gravimetry is not directly measuring gravity at all. The Gravimeter devices have been described by professionals in that field as long-period seismometers that are measuring small "jerks" in the background seismic noise and interpreting it as variations in gravity. The theory behind gravimetry is that it is detecting tiny density variations in the noise which are called "gravity waves" and "infragravity waves" Gravimeters are, in truth, seismometers. Seismometer devices have been described as having a "gravimeter mode." Seismometers can double-purpose as gravimeters, and can detect the "gravity tides". Gravimeters are often similarly double-purposed as seismometers to detect earthquakes thousands of miles away.

Perhaps most illustrative, gravitational anomalies on gravity maps are indistinguishable from the seismic zones. There are also several items which do not make sense with the gravity anomalies if they were actually a measurement of mass.

Further, the differences by latitude and altitude in the gravimetric end product data are seen to be artificial corrections that are manually added or subtracted to the data and reference model, rather than information that is from the measurements. Operators are told to make a modification for latitude, essentially inputting the variations.

The theory behind the field of Gravimetry is that the masses in the subsurface are creating tiny variations or jerks, presumed to be due to "gravity", that are measured by the devices in a unit of measurement called uGal or mGal. We read a description of Gravity Gradiometry on Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_gradiometry (Archive)

=What is Gravimetry?=

A quote from the Enhanced Geothermal Innovative Network for Europe (Archive) explains:

From Gravity surveying: a brief introduction (Archive) we read:

In The Gravity Method (Archive), its author Dr. Nicolas O. Mariita tells us:

The Global CCS Institute (Archive) says:

=Seismometers are Gravimeters=

Comparative Study
Comparative study of superconducting gravimeters and broadband seismometers STS-1/Z in seismic and subseismic frequency bands (Archive)

Diagram from p. 212:



The paper says that when comparing with Gravimeters to the Seismometers, the gravity spectra is nearly identical:

Tidal Detection
Further, the above paper states that seismometers are also able to detect the tides -- p.204, second paragraph:

It is mentioned that the "gravity tides" are found in the subseismic band:

A definition of "subseismic band" (Archive):

Is a study of subseismic activity a study of gravity?

Gravimeter Mode
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravimeter (Archive) we read:

The reader might ask, if gravimeters are entirely different devices than seismometers, how could seismometers have a "gravimeter mode"?

=Gravimeters are Seismometers=

This inventor describes gravimeters as follows:

http://www.njsas.org/projects/tidal_forces/magnetic_gravimeter/baker/ (Archive)

From p.2 of a paper on seafloor measurements (Archive) from the Journal of Geophysical Research we see:

On p.4 of The Gravity Method (Archive) by Dr. Nicolas O. Mariita we read another reference:

Again, we see that the gravimeter is actually a seismometer, and will be easily disrupted by seismic activity and other noise.

Recall from the above seismometer section that the seismometer was detecting gravity tides on subseismic bands, which was described as:

This agrees with the 'low-frequency' statement given by Dr. Marrita above. The gravimeter is a low-frequency seismometer, taking data out of those low-frequency bands.

On p.14 from a University of Hawaii lecture (Archive) we read:

Note that they only measure gravity "relative to some known value."

Function of a Gravimeter
It is often argued that a gravimeter works by dropping a body and measuring the full acceleration. While some types of gravimeters drop bodies, others do not. Consider how the following gravimeter works:

https://schmidtocean.org/rv-falkor/operations-and-science-systems/gravimeter/ (Archive)

The above device does not contain a falling object. The magnetism suspends the cylinder. The system then measures changes to that cylinder. The article continues:

As directly stated, the interest isn't in the total pull. The designers mainly care about using the device as a seismometer.

Absolute Gravimeter Description
From Geophysics From Terrestrial Time‐Variable Gravity Measurements we read about a device that does involve a falling object. The interest is in the tiny noises that affect the mirror in the device:

Monitoring earthquakes with gravity meters
From the abstract of a paper titled Monitoring earthquakes with gravity meters (Archive) we read:

The ending two sentences of that abstract even imply that gravity meters may be superior for measuring seismic elements.

Earthquake Comparison Readings
From the study we see several seismic reading comparisons between gravimeters and seismometers:





Gravity anomalies observed before earthquakes
Pre-seismic gravity anomalies before Linkou Ms 6.4 earthquake by continuous gravity observation of Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (Archive)

The reader may ponder why the gravity of the earth would change before an earthquake.

=Gravity Wave Theory=

A study titled Seafloor Compliance Observed by Long-Period Pressure and Displacement Measurement (Archive) uses gravimeters to study the gravity of the ocean. On p.2, para.4 its authors call the gravimeter a long-period seismometer.

On the same page we read about the theory behind the measurements:



We see that the theory behind the measurements involve the theories of "Gravity Waves" and "Infragravity Waves". Wikipedia describes them as:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_wave (Archive)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infragravity_wave (Archive)

Essentially, the "Gravity Waves" are slight vibrations picked up by the seismometer/gravimeter, and are assumed to be due to gravity. A chart is provided, showing the frequencies that the winds and tides appear in:



In line with the previous seismometer section, the tides appear on the low frequency bands.

=Corrections for Latitude=

It is asserted that gravimetry has shown trends at different latitudes, and so this is validation of the idea that it is really measuring "gravity". We find that this assertion is unfounded.

From a university course on gravity surveying we read:

http://www.geol-amu.org/notes/m10-1-4.htm (Archive)

If the objective of gravity surveys is merely to look for deviations from a round earth reference model with the vibrating gravity theory, then the final computed number in meters per second squared would becomes meaningless for the purpose of discussion. Any modifications to the reference values are constructed on an entirely theoretical basis.

The above page tells us that there is a theoretical model and that the goal of gravity surveys is to modify that model. Further down we see, among the list of corrections to be made, the latitude correction:

We read that we are subtracting or adding values to the reference model and the data to make the corrections for latitude, which is very different than using the data to determine the latitude. The claim that the final number is meaningful as evidence to showcase any particular point is shown fallacious.

United Nations University
On p.9 of Seismic Activity, Gravity, and Magnetic Measurements (Archive) by LaGeo as part of the United Nations University Geothermal Training Program we read:

The section goes on to list a number of corrections, including corrections for latitude and elevation, which is not data contained in the measurement readings:

These are artificial corrections which are added or subtracted to the data and reference model. If the earth were really elliptical or rotating, and if the devices were really measuring gravity in full, then these artificial corrections would not be necessary. It is seen that the devices are seismometers and that these corrections are artificially added into the data as modifications.

=Seismic Map Similarities=

Convergent Plate and Earthquake Map
Compare the gravity anomalies (first image) to a map of the plate boundaries and the earthquake zones (second image):



Convergent Plates Map Source (Archive)

World Volcano Map
Compare the gravity anomalies (first image) to a world volcano map (second image).



World Volcano Map Source p.10 (Archive)

Seismic Hazard Maps
Compare the gravity anomalies to seismic hazard maps of various location.







Alaska Seismic Hazard Map Source (Archive)



=Perplexing Anomalies=

The anomalous deviations of gravity, as detected by the gravimeter, are called Bouguer Anomalies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouguer_anomaly (Archive) explains:

Note that a correction for latitude needs to be made, and that the data is not in the gravimeter readings itself.

Gravity Anomalies Contrary To Theory
Bouguer Anomalies Over The Continents and Oceans (Archive) in the Journal of the Geological Society of India tells us that the anomalies are often greater over the ocean than over the land, which is contrary to gravity theory:

The anomalies are negative in continental areas and positive in oceanic areas. The anomalies are also negative in the mountains. These anomalies appear to go against the theory that the anomalies are due to the attraction of mass.

Bouguer Anomalies - Australia
We find the following depiction of Australia's Complete Bouguer Anomalies and Free Air Anomalies on a University of California Berkeley lecture on gravimetry (Archive) p.3, showing that the unfiltered anomalies are negative over continental areas and positive over oceanic areas:



Bouguer Anomalies - Alps of Germany
https://www.leibniz-liag.de/en/research/methods/gravimetry-magnetics/bouguer-anomalies.html (Archive)

The above shows that the anomalies are negative in the Alps of Germany.

=Seismic Wave Propagation=

Background Seismic Noise
It should be noted that there is constant background seismic noise, which emanate from the earth. From http://microglacoste.com/gPhoneNoise/gPhoneSeismicNoise.pdf (Archive) we read:

Airborne Seismic Waves
It should also be noted that seismic waves can become airborne, which would explain the ability of gravimeter devices on airplanes to register the anomalies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seismic_wave (Archive)

Underground Detection
Q. If the gravimeters are picking up background seismic activity, how is it that gravimeters can detect underground oil deposits and other structures? A. If seismic vibrations are originating from deep within the earth and are passing though various substances as they reach the detector on the surface, and those signals change slightly when the detector passes over the underground body, it may be possible to subtract some elements to see others through data analysis, just as how seismographers use seismic waves to detect tunnels. See: https://phys.org/news/2012-12-tunnels-seismic-simple.html (Archive)

=Noise Analysis=

On analysis of the gravimeter we find its primary purpose is to measure noise and use many software algorithms to interpret and filter out the noise. Every part of the device's components—the lasers which measure the motion, the mirrors, the springs which launch the mass up and down the small tube, and all component parts—are all connected in some manner to the earth, and are subject to noise and vibrations.

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-662-03482-8_9 (Archive p.1 p.2)

Marine Gravimeters
Below we see an example of gravimetry devices and methods for marine gravimetric surveying:

http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/WCEE2012_1237.pdf (Archive)

An example is given of outputs from VSE, Accelerometer, and Gradiometer devices on a mid-size ship navigating Toyama Bay, Japan:



Following the illustration we find the following:

From the above we see that a need to use algorithms and filters to 'find the gravity' from noise. The levels of g are not readily apparent, and must be constructed by subtracting from the noise to 'find gravity'. The above passage states that "We can expect to find the variations of gravity consists of components with long period, however the vibration of the carrier with short periods."

The reader may decide whether the process of subtracting vibrations with one characteristic to reveal other vibrations is truly measuring gravity. Why does "gravity" need to be found?

Galathea-3: A global marine gravity profile
The Danish vessel Galathea-3 describes its methods for gravimetric surveying:

Galathea-3: A Global Marine Gravity Profile (Archive)

We see that the process involves extensive data analysis, filtering, and clean-up from noise — to 'find gravity'.

Airborne Gravimetry
Airborne gravimetery methods reveal the same:

Improving the Accuracy and Resolution of SINS/DGPS Airborne Gravimetry (Archive)

Again, we see that filtering is necessary to clean up the noise.

General/Land Based Gravimetry
Per normal land-based gravimeters, the following paper describes the process of turning a laser signal into a "variation of gravity":

Ultra-high Precision, Absolute, Earth Gravity Measurements (Archive)

The paper describes that the fringe signal from the laser beam is digitized and processed:

Processing Steps



The fringe signal from the laser must be filtered with software:



The remainder of the document describes how the filtering occurs. All sources, to the best of the author's ability, are given an "uncertainty budget," to which is subtracted from the noise. The uncertainty budgets are estimated ranges to which a phenomenon may be contributing to the noise. All possible phenomena in nature must be considered and precisely defined. Everything from air drag, electrostatic fields, pressure, seismic vibrations, &c.

In the Table of Contents we find a list of tables, showing the various elements which are subtracted:

4.6 Uncertainty budget of the measured imbalance – Method II. . . . 84 4.7 Uncertainty budget: COM and OC adjusted – Method II. . . . . . 84 5.1 Uncertainty budget for air drag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 5.2 Uncertainty budget for outgassing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 5.3 Uncertainty budget for eddy currents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 5.4 Uncertainty budget for electrostatic field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 5.5 Uncertainty budget for instrumental masses. . . . . . . . . . . . 94 5.6 Uncertainty budget for laser verticality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 5.7 Length standard specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 5.8 Uncertainty budget for laser stability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 5.9 Frequency standard specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 5.10 Uncertainty budget for clock stability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 5.11 Uncertainty budget for corner cube rotation. . . . . . . . . . . . 98 5.12 Uncertainty budget for radiation pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 5.13 Uncertainty budget for beam divergence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 5.14 Uncertainty budget for temperature gradient. . . . . . . . . . . . 101 5.15 Uncertainty budget for seismic noise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 5.16 Uncertainty budget for speed of light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 5.17 Uncertainty budget for effective height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 5.18 Specifications of Photoreceiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 5.19 Uncertainty budget for amplifier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 5.20 Uncertainty budget for solid Earth tides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 5.21 Uncertainty budget for ocean loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 5.22 Uncertainty budget for polar motion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 5.23 Uncertainty budget for environmental pressure. . . . . . . . . . . 115 5.24 Uncertainty budget for Coriolis force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 5.25 Uncertainty budget for MPG-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 5.26 Uncertainty budget for MPG-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Once all of these items and their theoretical uncertainties are subtracted, we are left with "gravity".

Gravimeter Tides
The above pdf mentions that long-term analysis of the gravimeter noise can detect the tides:



The main conclusion from this is that the tides may be related in some manner to vibration or noise that is being processed. No mechanism is presented, or is identifiable, from a long term analysis of noise trends.

Fringe Noise
Still on the topic of land-based gravimetry, we look at the following paper:

Comparison of three digital fringe signal processing methods in a ballistic free-fall absolute gravimeter

From the introduction the author states that the input is a noisy fringe signal.

The g value must be extracted with various methods. It is not direct and apparent:

Multiple methods, functions, to "extract" the gravity value from the "noisy fringe signal."

Not an obvious and apparent method; multiple models are involved:

Filtering agreement can be made with other fringe signal processing methods:

These processes are filtering out the noise to find trends. From the conclusion we read:

This document was written in 2010. If Gravimetry were really 'direct measurement of the acceleration,' as some have claimed, then the reader might ask, why was it limited by pre-2010 computing capabilities? The answer is that it is not direct at all. It is the many algorithms necessary to interpret the "noisy" fringe signal that need large amounts of computing power. The process is interpretation of a noisy fringe signal.

From the paper:

Uncertainty budgets, just as we saw in the earlier paper, are subtracted from the noise in the effort to find gravity.

=See Also=


 * Eötvös Effect
 * Universal Acceleration
 * Evidence for Universal Acceleration
 * Variations in Gravity
 * Weight Variation by Latitude
 * Cavendish Experiment