DETERMINATION OF DENSITY FOR REDUCTION OF GRAVIMETER OBSERVATIONS*

Abstract

This paper outlines a method whereby the density factor used in the Bouguer correction for elevation of a gravity station may be determined. Frequently in the past it has been the practice to assign a density factor based on measurements made upon samples of surface materials in such manner as to give the density in situ, depending upon the judgment of the field man to select samples representative of the near-surface materials. At best, this is a cursory determination which only fortuitously might lead to the correct density for large topographic features. The method outlined here in effect weighs the topography by gravimeter observations taken along a profile crossing the feature. From these data the effective density of the material comprising the topographic feature is determined by a simple graphtcal method.