Geoid Determination and Gravity Works in Nepal

Abstract

Gravimetric geoid plays the important role in the process of local/regional geoidal undulation determination. This approach uses the residual gravity anomalies determined by the surface gravity measurement using the gravimeter together with best fit geopotential model, with the geoid undulations over the oceans determined from the method of satellite altimetry. Mass distribution, position and elevation are prominent factors affecting the surface gravity. These information in combination with geopotential model helps in satellite orbit determination, oil, mineral and gas exploration supporting in the national economy. The preliminary geoid thus computed using airborne gravity and other surface gravity observation and the accuracy of computed geoid was likely at the 10-20cm in the interior of Nepal but higher near the border due to lack of data in China and India. The geoid thus defined is significantly improved relative to EGM –08 geoid.