Which property does gravity geophysical technique measure?

Which property does gravity geophysical technique measure?

• A. Magnetic susceptibility
• B. Electrical conductivity
• C. Density
• D. Thermal conductivity

Answer: (C)

Gravity geophysical methods detect density variations in the subsurface by measuring tiny anomalies in the gravitational field caused by differences in mass. Heavier, denser rocks pull a bit more on gravity, while lighter rocks pull less. After accounting for elevation, topography, and the Earth's normal gravity, these residuals map where density contrasts occur, revealing features like dense intrusions or sediment-filled basins. So the property being probed is density. Magnetic susceptibility is what magnetic surveys measure, electrical conductivity is the focus of resistivity/EM methods, and thermal conductivity relates to how rocks conduct heat, not gravity anomalies.

Gravity geophysical methods detect density variations in the subsurface by measuring tiny anomalies in the gravitational field caused by differences in mass. Heavier, denser rocks pull a bit more on gravity, while lighter rocks pull less. After accounting for elevation, topography, and the Earth's normal gravity, these residuals map where density contrasts occur, revealing features like dense intrusions or sediment-filled basins. So the property being probed is density. Magnetic susceptibility is what magnetic surveys measure, electrical conductivity is the focus of resistivity/EM methods, and thermal conductivity relates to how rocks conduct heat, not gravity anomalies.