Evaluation of Accuracy of the Geodetic Reference Systems for the Modelling of Normal Gravity Fields of Nigeria


  •  Anthony Okiwelu    
  •  Emmanual Okwueze    
  •  Christian Onwukwe    

Abstract

The normal gravity fields of Nigeria have been modeled exploiting the Geodetic Reference System 1930 (GRS-30), Geodetic reference system 1967 (GRS-1967) and the world geodetic reference system 1984 (WGS-84). The determination of the normal gravity fields from the three Geodetic Reference Systems were carried out to evaluate the accuracy of one reference datum with respect to another. Descriptive statistics of the normal gravity field values modeled on regional and local scales showed a large difference ( 16.11mGal) between the 1930 reference earth model (GRS-30) and 1967 reference earth model (GRS-67). A large difference was also established between the 1930 and 1984 reference earth models. The large difference in the mean of normal gravity field is attributed to error inherent in the Potsdam value ( 16mGal). However, the small difference in normal gravity field values between the 1967 and 1984 reference systems is a pointer that the choice of either application in geophysical exploration or geodetic applications is of minor importance. The trends in discrepancies between the 1930 and 1967 reference earth models and 1930 and 1984 reference earth models are reflected in the standard deviation and standard error (S.E) of the normal gravity field values.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
  • ISSN(Print): 1916-9639
  • ISSN(Online): 1916-9647
  • Started: 2009
  • Frequency: semiannual

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