TERRAIN CORRECTIONS FOR GRAVIMETER STATIONS

Abstract

In this paper the correction for the gravitational attraction of the topography on a gravity station is considered as consisting of two parts; (1) the restricted but conventional “Bouguer correction” which postulates as a convenient approximation that the topography consists of an infinite horizontal plain, and (2) the “Terrain correction” which is a supplementary correction taking into account the gravitational effect of the undulations of the terrain about the plane through the gravity station. The paper illustrates the necessity of making terrain corrections if precise gravity surveys are desired in hilly country and presents terrain correction tables with which this quantity may be determined to a relative accuracy of one‐tenth milligal. This accuracy is required to fully utilize the high instrumental precision of modern gravimeters.