Methodology to calculate full tensor of airborne gravity gradient based on 3D gravity inversion

The 3D gravity inversion method was introduced into airborne gravity gradients calculation and a new technique that using topographic data and ground gravity data was presentd to calculate full tensor of airborne gravity gradient. The effectivity and reliability of this technique was evaluated by theoretical model. Model test shows that, non-uniqueness of gravity inversion solution has low influence to the precision of calculated airborne gravity gradients, and the calculation error is lower than inversion error level. It indicates that 3D inversion technique is capable for processing discrete and noisy in-situ gravity data. This technique was applied in Weishan Volcano area in Wudalianchi to calculate gravity gradients at flight altitude, by using ground dense in-situ gravity anomaly data, with SRTM digital topographic model and EGM2008 global gravity field model to calculate regional airborne gravity gradients. The calculation error is lower than 5.8 E, which satisfies requirement of calibration of airborne gradiometer. © 2022 Huazhong University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.