High-Precision Gravity Measurements in Riyadh Using FGL Absolute Gravimeter

Abstract

This study presented the importance of the new absolute gravity measurements in bringing all gravity surveys of Saudi Arabia into one unified datum, absolute gravity was measured using FGL absolute gravity meter from 2008 to 2015, and the resultant data showed excellent coherences from 2008 to 2012 with small change of approximately 10 lGal. However, notable decrease of 31.77 lGal from 2012 to 2015 which was either due to water-level changes or the fact that the instrument was recently repaired and some parts were replaced. Nevertheless, the obtained accuracy was sufficient for geophysical and geoidal applications. A new correction value (13.117 mGal) for Potsdam datum was determined which can be used to adjust old gravity surveys tied to Potsdam datum to the new KSU gravity base station.