Thursday, November 10, 2011

NGS Represents U.S. at International Comparison of Absolute Gravimeters (NGS)

From November 7-11, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) represented the United States at an international assembly for the Ninth European Comparison of Absolute Gravimeters, held at the University of Luxembourg. NOAA's FG-5 gravimeter was among two dozen gravimeters brought together for comparison to quantify their operational precision. The FG-5 is the most accurate gravimeter available and is used to monitor mass changes within the Earth, such as magma intrusions beneath volcanoes and variations in continental water storage, and to monitor deformations of the Earth's crust, such as tectonic distortions associated with the buildup and release of strain during earthquakes. NGS's participation in this comparison demonstrates leadership in coordinating with other nations in pursuit of geospatial precision. For more information, contact Mark Eckl.