New Absolute Gravity Measurements in New Zealand

Abstract

To enhance and extend the absolute gravity (AG) measurements in New Zealand, we conducted new measurements using a FG5 (#210 of Kyoto University) in January and March 2016. The measurements in the North Island were made at two existing points (the Warkworth Radio Astronomical Observatory and Wellington A) and at one newly established point at the Wairakei Research Centre, Taupo. The gravity measurements in the South Island were made at five existing AG points; Godley Head, Mt John, the University of Otago, Helipad and Bealey Hotel. At each point more than 4,000 drops were made and AG values were determined with measurement uncertainties better than 3 μGal (mostly better than 2 μGal) at 130 cm instrument height. The values are compared with those of the 2015 campaigns. Although the differences of about 10 μGal were observed at Wellington A and Godley Head, those at the other points were within 5 μGal. At points in the Southern Alps we combined AG with relative gravity measurements and achieved good agreement with the 2015 results. Definite values for long-term gravity trends at the points in Southern Alps and Christchurch could not be obtained from the survey, but the results are consistent with those of the previous studies. Further measurements are planned to accurately determine these gravity changes.