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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Micro/Nano-scale Strain Distribution Measurement from Sampling Moiré Fringes
Published on: May 23, 2017
A network of superconducting gravimeters detects submicrogal coseismic gravity changes
Yuichi Imanishi1, Tadahiro Sato, Toshihiro Higashi
1Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, 1-15-1, Minamidai, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8639, Japan. imanishi@ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp
High-resolution gravity recordings detected permanent changes in gravity acceleration after a large earthquake. These findings, measured using superconducting gravimeters, align with theoretical models and advance tectonic process studies.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Seismology
Background:
- Earthquake-induced crustal deformation can cause measurable changes in gravity.
- High-precision gravity measurements are crucial for detecting subtle geophysical signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and quantify permanent gravity acceleration changes following a large earthquake.
- To validate dislocation models using precise gravity data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a regional network of high-resolution continuous superconducting gravimeters.
- Analyzed gravity recordings to identify permanent acceleration shifts post-earthquake.
Main Results:
- Detected permanent gravity acceleration changes smaller than 10(-8) m/s² (1 micro-Galileo).
- Observed gravity changes closely matched theoretical values from dislocation modeling.
Conclusions:
- Superconducting gravimetry is effective in detecting earthquake-induced gravity changes.
- This technique can contribute to understanding secular gravity variations in tectonic processes.
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