Shallow-water loading tides in Japan from superconducting gravimetry

Abstract

Gravity observations from superconducting gravimeters are used to observe loading effects from shallow-water tides on the Japanese east and west coasts. Non-linear third-diurnal and higher-frequency shallow-water tides are identified in the tide-gauge observations from these coastal areas. The most energetic constituents in the tide gauge observations are also seen in the gravity observations due to their loading effects on the deformation of the Earth. Even though the shallow-water tides at the Japanese east coast have an amplitude of only a few millimetres, they are still able to generate a loading signal at gravity sites located several hundred kilometres inland. In particular, the S3, S4 and S5 solar tides occur in both gravity and tide gauge observations. It is indicated that in other shelf regions with large shallow water tides, the shallow water loading signals account for a significant signal, which should be taken into account.