Evaluating the Efficiency of Gravimeter Vibration Protection during Aerogravimetric Surveys

Abstract

Aerogravimetric survey is a rapidly developing and promising method for studying the gravity field in remote regions of the Earth. However, its practical use involves difficulties. Thus, during flights, inertial interference occurs due to engine-induced vibration of the fuselage. Earlier, various options for antivibration designs were tested. During its annual aerogravimetric works, the Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth, Russian Academy of Sciences (IPE RAS), employs a quite efficient option, which, however, cannot be regarded as complete. For the first time, a high-frequency seismometer was used to evaluate the efficiency of a gravimeter antivibration system used in aerogravimetric operations. Vibration suppression was assessed in a wide frequency range. During experimental flights, a decrease in vibration noise was detected at a frequency of 2 Hz, which is relevant for gravimetric equipment. The experimental results confirm the adequacy of the applied antivibration equipment. The antivibration platform developed at IPE RAS significantly reduces vibrations affecting the GT-2M aerogravimetric system. The possibility of using the Baikal-ACN high-frequency seismometer in an unconventional field of application is demonstrated.