Gravity Prospecting Practical Exercises 1

Exercise ( )

The table below shows data collected along a north–south gravity profile. Distances are
measured from station 1, which is located at the south end of the profile at latitude of
51°12′24″N. The calibration constant of the Worden gravimeter used on the survey is 3.792
gu per dial unit. Before, during, and after the survey, readings (marked BS) were taken at a
base station where the value of gravity is 9811442.2 gu. This was done in order to monitor
instrumental drift and to allow the absolute value of gravity to be determined at each
observation point.
Note: 1 gu = 0.1 mgal

Answer the following:

1- Perform a gravity reduction of the survey data and comment on the accuracy of each
step. Use a density of 2.70 Mgm-3 for the Bouguer correction.
2- Draw a series of sections illustrating the variation in topography, observed gravity, free-
air anomaly and Bouguer anomaly along the profile. Comment on the sections.
3- What further information would be required before a full interpretation could be made of
the Bouguer anomaly?

Station Time (h:m) Dist. (m) Elev. (m) Reading

BS 08:05 2934.2
1 08:35 0 84.26 2946.3
2 08:44 20 86.85 2941.0
3 08:55 40 89.43 2935.7
4 09:03 60 93.08 2930.4
1 09:18 2946.5
BS 09:40 2934.7
1 10:09 2946.3
5 10:24 80 100.37 2926.6
6 10:33 100 100.91 2927.9
7 10:44 120 103.22 2920.0
8 10:53 140 107.35 2915.1
1 11:11 2946.5
BS 11:45 2935.2
1 12:14 2946.2
9 12:32 160 110.10 2911.5
10 12:42 180 114.89 2907.2
11 13:00 200 118.96 2904.0
1 13:15 2946.3
BS 13:50 2935.5

Source: Kearey, P., Brooks, M., & Hill, I. (2002). An introduction to geophysical exploration (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.