THE VERTICAL GRAVITY GRADIENT IN BOREHOLE EXPLORATION

Geophysics ◽  
1963 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1072-1073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Thyssen‐Bornemisza
Keyword(s):  
Point Mass ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Gravity Gradients ◽  
Vertical Derivative ◽  
Rock Formations ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Vertical Gravity ◽  
First Vertical Derivative

In past years vertical gravity‐gradient observations have been repeatedly suggested for the determination of in‐situ densities of rock formations penetrated by a borehole (Smith, 1950; Hammer, 1963). However, calculations made for a point mass to one side of a borehole show that the first vertical derivative of gravity, g, is influenced by this mass to a much greater degree than g itself, or the second vertical derivative. This should be borne in mind if attempts are made to measure vertical gravity gradients in a borehole.

Experimental determination of the vertical gravity gradient below the sea level

2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 866-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. K. Zheleznyak ◽  
V. N. Koneshov ◽  
P. S. Mikhailov
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Determination ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Vertical Gravity

Reduction to the pole of the North American magnetic anomalies

Geophysics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Arkani‐Hamed ◽  
W. E. S. Urquhart
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
Magnetic Anomalies ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Plate Boundaries ◽  
Gravity Gradients ◽  
The North ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Regional Tectonic ◽  
Vertical Gravity

Magnetic anomalies of North America are reduced to the pole using a generalized technique which takes into account the variations in the directions of the core field and the magnetization of the crust over North America. The reduced‐to‐the‐pole magnetic anomalies show good correlations with a number of regional tectonic features, such as the Mid‐Continental rift and the collision zones along plate boundaries, which are also apparent in the vertical gravity gradient map of North America. The magnetic anomalies do not, however, show consistent correlation with the vertical gravity gradients, suggesting that magnetic and gravity anomalies do not necessarily arise from common sources.

A RAPID METHOD FOR MEASURING THE PROFILE COMPONENTS OF HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL GRAVITY GRADIENTS

Geophysics ◽  
1943 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Heiland
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Maximum Effect ◽  
Gravity Gradients ◽  
Optical Sensitivity ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Terrain Corrections ◽  
Vertical Gravity

The trend in gravity exploration in the past years indicates the rather remarkable fact that a method of low resolving power (the gravity meter) has replaced one of higher resolving power (the torsion balance). This is entirely due to the superior speed of the former and suggests an instrument and procedure in which observation time is reduced by (1) reduction in number of quantities measured; (2) use of a reference direction near that of the maximum effect; (3) elimination of the torsionless position as unknown; (4) reduction in period, with compensating increase in optical sensitivity; (5) stabilization of thermal conditions. These objectives are attained by (1) measuring the profile components of gradients and curvature values, preferably at right angles to the assumed strike; whereby, for an ideal two‐dimensional feature, also the vertical gravity gradient is obtained, and the vertical and horizontal gravity components may be calculated by integration; (2) by holding the torsionless position constant with temperature control; (3) by decreasing the period and observation time to 3–4 minutes, and (4) by using a beam arrangement which will give the gradient in only one azimuth, and the profile gradient of the horizontal gravity component in a second azimuth if desired. Latitude and terrain corrections are also somewhat simplified by the proposed procedure.

Seafloor topography variations mapped by regional gravity tensor analysis 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Seoane ◽  
Guillaume Ramillien ◽  
José Darrozes ◽  
Frédéric Frappart ◽  
Didier Rouxel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Static Field ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Seafloor Topography ◽  
Central Pacific ◽  
Goce Mission ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Seamount Chain ◽  
Vertical Gravity ◽  
Regional Gravity

<p>The AGOSTA project initially proposed by our team and lately funded by CNES TOSCA consists of developing efficient approaches to restore seafloor shape (or bathymetry), as well as lithospheric parameters such as the crust and elastic thicknesses, by combining different types of observations including gravity gradient data. As it is based on the second derivatives of the potential versus the space coordinates, gravity gradiometry provides more information inside the Earth system at short wavelengths. The GOCE mission has measured the gravity gradient components of the static field globally and give the possibility to detect more details on the structure of the lithosphere at spatial resolutions less than 200 km. We propose to analyze these satellite-measured gravity tensor components to map the undersea relief more precisely than using geoid or vertical gravity previously considered for this purpose. Inversion of vertical gravity gradient data derived from the radar altimetry technique also offers the possibility to reach greater resolutions (at least 50 km) than the GOCE mission one. The seafloor topography estimates are tested in areas well-covered by independent data for validation, such as around the Great Meteor guyot [29°57′10.6″N, 28°35′31.3″W] and New England seamount chain [37°24′N 60°00′W, 120° 10' 30.4" W] in the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Acapulco seamount [13° 36' 15.4" N, 120° 10' 30.4" W] in the Central Pacific.</p>

VERTICAL GRADIENT OF GRAVITY ON AXIS FOR HOLLOW AND SOLID CYLINDERS

Geophysics ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 816-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Elkins
Keyword(s):  
Hollow Cylinder ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Outer Radius ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Gradient Effect ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Vertical Gravity ◽  
Special Case ◽  
Vertical Gradient Of Gravity

The recent interest in borehole gravimeters and vertical gravity gradient meters makes it worthwhile to analyze the simple case of the vertical gravity gradient on the axis of a hollow cylinder, simulating a borehole. From the viewpoint of potential theory the results are interesting because of the discontinuities which may occur when a vertical gradient profile crosses a sudden change in density. Formulas for the vertical gradient effect are given for observations above, inside, and below a hollow cylinder and a solid cylinder. The special case of an infinitely large outer radius for the cylinders is also considered, leading to formulas for the vertical gradient effect inside a borehole on its axis and inside a horizontal slab. Some remarks are made on the influence of the shape of a buried vertical gradient meter on the correction factor for changing the meter reading to density.

On: “Gravity vertical gradient measurements for the detection of small geologic and anthropogenic forms” by Z. J. Fajklewicz (GEOPHYSICS, October 1976, p. 1016–1030)

Geophysics ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 872-873
Author(s):  
Stephen Thyssen‐Bornemisza
Keyword(s):  
Research Work ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Wind Gust ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Surface Variation ◽  
Gradient Measurements ◽  
Vertical Gravity

In his paper, Fajklewicz discusses the improvement of vertical gravity gradient measurements arising from a very stable tower apparently not affected by wind gust vibration and climatic changes. Further, the lower plate where the gravity meter is resting can be changed in position to avoid possible disturbances from surface and near‐surface variation, and new methods for correcting and interpreting observed gradients over the vertical interval of about 3 m are presented. Some 1000 field stations were observed, including research work and industrial application.

POSSIBLE APPLICATION OF THE ANOMALOUS FREE‐AIR VERTICAL GRADIENT TO MARINE EXPLORATION

Geophysics ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 260-263
Author(s):  
Stephen Thyssen‐Bornemisza
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Cylinder ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Average Gradient ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Free Air ◽  
Vertical Gravity ◽  
Lithologic Unit ◽  
Marine Exploration ◽  
Anomalous Average

Recently it could be shown (Thyssen‐Bornemisza, 1965) that a vertical lithologic unit cylinder generates a relatively strong anomalous free‐air vertical gravity gradient F′ along the cylinder axis. The following simple example may serve as a demonstration. A small vertical cylinder made of gold or tungsten, where radius r and length L are identical, would generate the anomalous average gradient F′∼3,223 Eötvös units over the interval h=r=L going from the cylinders top surface upward. Suppose r=l=1 cm, then an average gradient exceeding the earth’s normal free‐air vertical gradient F is present over the interval h=1 cm.

Vertical gravity gradient surveys: Field results and interpretations in British Columbia, Canada

Geophysics ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 919-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. Ager ◽  
Jacques O. Liard
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Mountainous Terrain ◽  
Coal Deposit ◽  
Vertical Gravity Gradient ◽  
Free Air ◽  
Vertical Gravity ◽  
Mining Exploration ◽  
Air Effect

Two vertical gravity gradient (VGG) surveys were completed by the authors during 1977 in British Columbia, Canada. The VGG method utilizes a LaCoste and Romberg model D gravity meter in conjunction with a small gradient tripod. The VGG method is practical under most field conditions using a 2 person crew and yields results precise to ±20 E or better. The VGG work indicates that the “free‐air” effect ranges between 2600–2800 E for southwestern British Columbia, which is somewhat lower than the theoretical value of 3086 E. The usefulness of the method in mining exploration is doubtful, especially in hilly or mountainous terrain where VGG values are shown to be very terrain sensitive. However, the importance of knowing the regional VGG variations is emphasized by the work over the Hat Creek coal deposit, British Columbia.

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