Apparent anomalies in borehole and seafloor gravity measurements

Apparent anomalies observed in borehole and seafloor gravity measurements are shown to be attributable to inaccurate implementation of Newton's gravitational law using inadequate earth models. Corrections due to global and regional lateral density heterogeneity are estimated and are shown to provide a consistent explanation of signature (attractive or repulsive) and magnitude of the apparent anomalies for borehole and seafloor gravity measurements without introducing any speculative non-newtonian forces. The results obtained show clearly that the underground gravity field cannot be used for precision tests of the inverse square law of the gravitational force at short and intermediate ranges until a reliable and accurate earth model is developed. Predictions of the signature of apparent anomalies are given for future borehole and undersea gravity measurements. (orig.)