Geophysics From Terrestrial Time-Variable Gravity Measurements

Author(s): Michel van Camp, Oliver de Viron, Arnaud Watlet, Bruno Meurers, Olivier Francis, Corentin Caudron
Abstract: In a context of global change and increasing anthropic pressure on the environment, monitoring the Earth system and its evolution has become one of the key missions of geosciences. Geodesy is the geoscience that measures the geometric shape of the Earth, its orientation in space, and gravity field. Time-variable gravity, because of its high accuracy, can be used to build an enhanced picture and understanding of the changing Earth. Ground-based gravimetry can determine the change in gravity related to the Earth rotation fluctuation, to celestial body and Earth attractions, to the mass in the direct vicinity of the instruments, and to vertical displacement of the instrument itself on the ground. In this paper, we review the geophysical questions that can be addressed by ground gravimeters used to monitor time-variable gravity. This is done in relation to the instrumental characteristics, noise sources, and good practices. We also discuss the next challenges to be met by ground gravimetry, the place that terrestrial gravimetry should hold in the Earth observation system, and perspectives and recommendations about the future of ground gravity instrumentation.
Organisation(s): Department of Meteorology and Geophysics
External organisation(s): Royal Observatory of Belgium, Université Libre de Bruxelles, University of Luxembourg, Université de La Rochelle, University of Mons
Journal: Reviews of Geophysics
Volume: 55
Pages: 938-992
No. of pages: 55
ISSN: 8755-1209
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/2017RG000566
Publication date: 12-2017
Peer reviewed: Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012: 105111 Gravimetry, 105102 General geophysics
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Geophysics
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 15 - Life on Land
Portal url: https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/117210c3-ce9b-4150-82dc-dc3dc08f7240

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