Gravity Methods

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 Gravity exploration method
Introduction
Basic principles
Units of gravity
Measurement of gravity
Gravity anomalies
Gravity anomalies of simples shaped-bodies
Gravity survey
Gravity reduction
Drift correction
Latitude correction
Elevation correction
Tidal correction
Free-air and Bouger correction
Rock densities
Interpretation of gravity anomalies
Application of gravity survey
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 The gravity method, involves measuring a field of force in the eart
that is neither generated by the observer nor influenced by anythin
the observer does (passive method).
In most gravity surveys the quantity actually observed is not th
earths gravitational attraction but its variation from point to anothe
usually at positions along the earths surface that are close togethe
Such lateral differences can be measured more easily than the tota
gravitational field, and the field instruments are designed to measur
differences in gravity rather than its actual magnitude.
After appropriate reductions, the variations in gravity observe
through such measurements depend only upon lateral changes in th
density of the earth materials in the vicinity of the measuring point.
Many types of rocks have characteristic ranges of density which ma
differ from those of other types that are laterally adjacent. Thus a
anomaly in the earths gravitational attraction can often be related to
buried geological feature e.g., a salt dome or other diapir, which ha
limited horizontal extent.
 The place of gravity in oil and mineral exploration
The gravity method was initially used in oil exploration for locating salt domes in
the Gulf Coast of the US and Mexico and later for finding anticlinal structures in the
mid-continent area.
Even now special types of structures in which hydrocarbons are entrapped exhibit
such large contrasts in density with respect to surrounding formations that gravity
data alone can be used to decide on drilling locations.
Most gravity surveys currently carried out in search for oil are designed for
reconnaissance of large, previous unexplored areas.
Where little or no geological information is available in a region, the first question
that must be answered is whether a sedimentary basin large enough and thick
enough to justify further investigation is present, if the geology is suitable, the
gravity method can provide this kind of information rapidly and economically.
Most sedimentary rocks have densities lower than basement rocks, and where this is
met the density contrast makes it possible to map the boundaries and determine the
approximate depth distribution of the sedimentary basins.
 Gravitational force
The theory behind gravitational prospecting is based
on Newtons law expressing the force of mutual
attraction between two particles in terms of their
masses and separation.
m1m2
F 2
r
Where universal gravitational constant. In SI unit is
approximately 6.67 10 N.m / kg
11 2
 Consider the attraction between two billiard balls touching one
another so that their centers are about 7.5 10 2 m if we
assume each ball to have mass of 0.225kg, we can compute
the attractive force F in Newton

F
6.67 10 0.225
11 2
6 10 10 N
7.5 10 2 2

This force is less than 3 10 10 times the force exerted on one

of the balls by the earths gravitational field.
 Gravitational acceleration
The acceleration of a point mass m due to the m1
2

attraction of a point mass m a distance r away can

2

be obtained simply by dividing the attraction force F by

the mass m whereupon
2

F m1
a 2
m2 r
 Gravitational potential
The gravitational potential is work done by the attractive force of m1on
m2 as moves to 0 from infinity.
from infinity

ds dr

unit mass m2

R r

m1 p
 m1
The force per unit mass, or acceleration, at a distance r from p is r and the
2

work necessary to move the unit mass a distance ds having a component dr in the
direction of p is m1 dr the work done in moving the mass from infinity to 0
2
in the gravitational fieldr of m1 is
R
dr 1
m1
R
m1
r2 r
Gravitational effects over subsurface
bodies having discrete shapes
Sphere
Horizontal cylinder
Buried vertical cylinder
Buried slab
 Instruments

Stable types
Unstable types
 Reduction of gravity data

Bouguer anomaly.
Latitude effects
Free-air effect