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Gravity Surveys

Does anyone know any benefits of using a gravimeter to carry out gravity surveys? Like how the information we get from them helps us. Not things like knowing the density of the rock or actual advantages of using a gravimeter such as it being portable and relatively cheap but how we can use the data to help us. Also are there any problems that the surveys could cause? Thanks for your help.
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Hi OP,

Sorry this a late reply, but gravity surveys as you said are conducted by the use of a gravimeter. The gravimeter is used to detect gravitational anomalies within the Earth. Where there is an excess of mass relative to the country rock, a positive anomaly is given (gravitational force is greater in this area compared to the surrounding country rock). On the other hand, where there is a deficit of mass (less gravitational force compared to the country rock average) then a negative anomaly is recorded. Remember that an anomaly is a value that does not fit in with the general pattern.

Gravity surveys are commonly used in oil and mineral exploration as identifying the density of material in an area can potentially tell geologists where oil or ore minerals may be located. For example, salt domes often signify the presence of oil should an oil source rock be located in that area. As salt domes are composed of salts (obviously) they have a lower density compared to the country rock at around 2.3g/cm^3. Salt domes often act as oil traps therefore, if a salt dome is identified during a gravity survey (by exhibiting a negative anomaly) then it is a good spot for oil drilling to take place.

Hope this helps!

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