Gravity Anomaly
Definition
A gravity anomaly is a deviation from the normal gravitational acceleration which is expected at a certain point on Earth. It arises from variations in the distribution of mass within the Earth's interior and surface, such as mountains, valleys, or subsurface geological structures. Gravity anomalies are typically measured using gravimeters and are an essential component in geophysical and geological surveys.
What is Gravity Anomaly?
Gravity anomaly mapping is a specialized use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the field of geophysics aimed at identifying and interpreting the variations in Earth's gravitational field. The objective is to map and understand the irregular distribution of mass beneath the Earth's surface which can influence gravitational acceleration. This information is crucial for understanding geological processes, modeling Earth's internal structure, and even for practical applications such as oil and mineral exploration.
This process involves collecting gravimetric data from different locations around the globe. Advanced analytical and visualization techniques available in GIS platforms allow researchers to visualize this data in the form of gravity anomaly maps. These maps display the differences between the measured gravity and the theoretical gravity expected at a location if the Earth had a uniform composition and density. The resulting gravity anomalies can then be used to infer the presence of mineral and oil deposits, tectonic shifts, and volcanic activities, among other things.
