Gravimetric estimation of the E\"otv\"os components

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new gravimetric method to estimate the E"otv"os components using gravity measurements at three nearby points, offering a potentially simpler alternative to torsion balance instruments for geodetic applications.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel gravimetric approach to determine E"otv"os matrix elements from gravity data, reducing reliance on torsion balance instruments.

Findings

Method provides satisfactory accuracy in estimating E"otv"os components.

Numerical example demonstrates practical applicability.

Potential for improved geodetic measurements.

Abstract

The elements of the E\"otv\"os matrix are useful for various geodetic applications, such as the interpolation of the elements of the deflection of the vertical, the determination of gravity anomalies and the determination of geoid heights. A torsion balance instrument is customarily used for the determination of the E\"otv\"os components. In this work, we show that it is possible to estimate the E\"otv\"os components, at a point on the physical surface of the Earth, using gravity measurements at three nearby points, comprising a very small network. In the first part, we present the method in detail, while in the second part we demonstrate a numerical example. We conclude that this method is able to estimate the elements of the E\"otv\"os matrix with satisfactory accuracy.