Global Gravity Field & Anomalies

Gravity Field of the Earth

• Earth’s gravitational field strength at any given point is

determined by the mass present from the point of measurement
to the center of the earth

• Strength is determined by the Newton’s Law of Gravitational

Attraction:

• F = G(m1)(m2)/r2

• -a = G(ME)/r2 (re-arranging and adding a reference mass)

• Therefore gravity field is :

• Inversely proportional to the distance2 from the center of

the earth
Gravity Field Measurements

• Gravity field measurements detect the amount of mass from

the point of measurement down to the center of the Earth
• Gravity “Highs” indicate an excess of mass from the
measurement point down to the center of the Earth
• Gravity “Lows” indicate a deficiency in mass from
measurement point down to the center of the Earth
• Isostatic disequilibrium will produce gravity anomolies
Isostatic Equilibrium
• Concept that lithospheric plates “float” on a plastic asthensphere
• Loading of the lithosphere will cause it to be depressed into the
asthenosphere (i.e. Glaciation, Hot Spot Volcanoes
• Unloading of the lithosphere will cause it to rebound (i.e. Melting of
Glaciers, Erosion)