Gravity survey winds up after roaming wide for data

The Geological Survey of Victoria (GSV) and Geoscience Australia teamed-up to measure extremely small variations in the Earth’s gravity across northern Victoria.

The Geological Survey of Victoria (GSV) and Geoscience Australia teamed-up to measure extremely small variations in the Earth’s gravity across northern Victoria.

The Shepparton-Numurkah Regional Ground Gravity Survey is now complete, with data collected to be analysed over the coming months and made publicly available later this year.

Over 9 months, the partnership measured the Earth’s gravity at more than 23,000 locations along 80,000 km of public roads and tracks between Seymour, Echuca and Wodonga, covering an area of about 17,000 square km.

Along the way, crews regularly spoke to people interested in finding out more about gravity surveying, what it can tell us and how it is used. They also helped five motorists, including one individual who had rolled their vehicle on a remote track and a cyclist who crashed their bike.

Through the purchase of meals, fuel, vehicle servicing and accommodation, completing the survey contributed about $220,000 to economies on the route.

Using gravity measurements to map geological structures like faults and how different types of rocks are distributed within an area helps us better understand its geological history. This data adds value to Victoria’s growing publicly accessible geological database, which is vital for building 3D geological and geophysical models.

This knowledge will help inform local resource and land management decisions by providing insights into natural hazards like earthquakes and the potential presence of resources like critical minerals, including tin, tungsten and tantalum vital for renewable energy generation and mobile devices.