A Gravity Map of Earth
Explanation:
Is
gravity the same over the surface of the
Earth?
No -- it turns out that in some places you will feel slightly
heavier than others.
The
above relief map shows in exaggerated highs and lows where the
gravitational field of
Earth is relatively strong and weak.
A low spot can be seen just off the coast of
India, while a relative high occurs in the South
Pacific Ocean.
The cause of these irregularities is unknown
since present surface features do not appear dominant.
Scientists
hypothesize that factors that are more important lay in
deep underground structures and may be related to the
Earth's appearance in the distant past.
To better map
Earth's gravity and hence better understand its
interior and past,
NASA plans to launch the
Gravity Recovery and Climate (GRACE) satellite in February.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
