A review of parameters affecting the accuracy and resolution of gravity surveys

Abstract

A properly specified gravity survey is a cost-effective approach that can significantly aid the design of a seismic program in petroleum exploration. Gravity survey specifi- cations should take into consideration three sources of error that affect the accuracy and resolution of gravity data: (1) error in the Bouguer anomaly value assigned to a station, (2)errors in interpolation of the gravity field between stations and (3) geological 'noise' due to near-surface density variations and deep regional discontinuities. The first error is principally a function of the uncertainty in the station positioning, while the other two are functions of the station spacing and coverage. Various types of gravity surveys are discussed with illustrated examples.