Study of the shape of the equipotential surfaces and the gravity anomaly field in high elevations
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Date
1960-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Division of Geodetic Science
Abstract
The aim of this project, "The Study of the Equipotential Surfaces and the Gravity Anomaly Field in High Elevations," was to study theoretically and practically the dimensions of the normal equipotential surfaces of the earth's gravity, called spheropotential surfaces, and to study the gravity anomaly field and its effect on the shape of the geopotential surfaces, i.e., the distance and tilt between these two surfaces at different elevations. Such studies have not earlier had much practical significance and, consequently, they have not received sufficient attention. All of these computations are based on the gravity anomaly field at the earth's surface. The better the earth's gravity field is surveyed, the more accurately we can get the quantities necessary for study of the earth's gravity field at different elevations. The formulas used for computation of normal gravity and gravitation with their components and the size and shape of the spheropotential surfaces and the formulas for computation of the gravity field at different elevations are given both for the gravity and the gravitation. By gravitation we mean the attraction of the mass of the flattened earth. When we subtract from gravitation the effect of the centrifugal force, we get gravity. These formulas have been derived in Columbus under this project and under the Cambridge Gravity Project. They are based mostly on the theoretical studies of Dr. Hirvonen. The basic quantities concerning the dimensions of the spheropotential surfaces and the gravity and gravitation with their components are explained later on. The normal and actual gravity and gravitation with their components are computed at the interval of 1° from the North Pole to the equator. In addition, more detailed computations are carried out for five elevations along five test belts. Dr. K. Jung's study, "Clairaut's Theorem and the Flattening of Single Meridians or Longitude Zones," is given as Appendix 1. All quantities needed for the gravity field and the dimensions of the equipotential surfaces at different elevations are given in list or map form. The isostatic reductions have been nearly completed—in conjunction with the Cambridge gravity project—for most of the world.
Description
Prepared for Cleveland Ordnance District, Department of the Army, 1367 East Sixth Street, Cleveland 14, Ohio: Contract No. DA-33-019-0RD-2686, OSURF Project 833