A network of superconducting gravimeters detects submicrogal coseismic gravity changes.

Imanishi, Yuichi; Sato, Tadahiro; Higashi, Toshihiro; Sun, Wenke; Okubo, Shuhei · Science · 2004

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

With high-resolution continuous gravity recordings from a regional network of superconducting gravimeters, we have detected permanent changes in gravity acceleration associated with a recent large earthquake. Detected changes in gravity acceleration are smaller than 10(-8) meters seconds(-2) (1 micro-Galileo, about 10(-9) times the surface gravity acceleration) and agree with theoretical values calculated from a dislocation model. Superconducting gravimetry can contribute to the studies of secular gravity changes associated with tectonic processes.