• 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)