Detection of small hydrological variations in gravity by repeated observations with relative gravimeters

Recently, a new application of time-dependent gravity observations is emerging: the study of natural hydrological mass changes and their underlying processes. Complementary to GRACE data and continuous recordings with superconducting gravimeters, repeated observations with relative instruments on a local network may contribute to gain additional information on spatial changes in hydrology. The questions that need to be addressed are whether the results of these repeated measurements will be of sufficiently high resolution and accuracy, as well as how unique the information obtained will be. To examine this, a local gravity network with maximum point distances of 65 m was established in a hilly area around the Geodynamic Observatory Moxa, Germany. Using three to five LaCoste & Romberg relative gravimeters repeated measurements were carried out in a seasonal rhythm as well as at particular events like snowmelt or dryness in 17 campaigns between November 2004 and April 2007. The standard deviations obtained by least squares adjustment range from ±9 to ±14 nm/s² for a gravity difference of one campaign, thus for gravity changes between two campaigns from ±13 to ±20 nm/s². Between the points of the network, spatial gravity changes of up to 171 nm/s² (139 nm/s² between two successive campaigns) could be proven significantly. They correlate with changes in the local hydrological situation. Particularly, a steep slope next to the observatory is identified as a gravimetrically significant hydrological compartment. The results obtained contribute to an improved reduction of the local hydrological signal in continuous gravity recordings and provide constraints to hydrological models.     

从重复重力测量资料中提取河西—祁连地区的地震特征的研究

利用富里叶分析法分离出了河西—祁连地区重力变化的长波项和短波项，并结合该区的几次地震进行了分析研究，得到以下初步认识：１．长波项图象特征表明，地震前地壳深处物质的迁移性运动是地震活动的背景性因素；短波图象则是地震发生前的异常表现。２．无论是长波项，还是短波项，在地震前其图象都有高梯度带，但其物理意义不同：长波图象的高梯度带是由于地壳深部的结构不同，使物质迁移受到一定程度的阻档所致；短波图象的高梯度带则是未来地震的危险地带。３．河西—祁连地区的垂直力源的局部性和短暂性的根源在于形成力源的地壳深部物质迁移的局部性和短暂性。