Geophysical Abstracts 152 January-March 1953

GRAVITY
GENEBAL AND THEORETICAL STUDIES, INCLUDING THOSE ON
ISOSTASY
14184. Woollard, George Prior. The earth's gravitational field and its exploita­
tion in Advances in Geophysics, v. 1, p. 281-311, New York, Academic
Press, 1952.
This is a review of gravity measurements and their uses in both geodetic and
geologic studies. M. C. R.
14185. Heiskanen, W. The geophysical applications of gravity anomalies: Am.
Geophys. Union Trans., v. 34, no. 1, p. 11-15,1953.
This is a discussion of the uses and abuses of gravity anomalies in such
geophysical applications as studies of isostasy, thickness of the crust, and be­
havior of the earth's interior. M. 0. R.
14186. Marussi, Antonio. Sulla curvatura e torsione del canipo di gravita
[The curvature and torsion of the gravitational field]: Annali Geofisica,
v. 5, no. 2, p. 201-207, 1952.
Mathematical definitions of the curvature and torsion of the gravitational
field of the earth are given, and equations are derived of the loci having zero
curvature and zero torsion. The possibility of determining these quantities by
measurements with the Eotvos torsion balance as well as of finding them from
geodetic observations is explained. S. T. V.
14187. Berroth, Alfred. Anwendungen des Tannischen Geoids auf Deutschland
[Application of Tanni's geoid to Germany]: Gerlands Beitr. Geophysik,
Band 61, Heft 4, p. 250-256,1950.
Studies by Tanni on the continental undulations of the geoid and the regional
rise of the geoid in central Europe (see Geophys. Abs. 11916 and 11917), present­
ing the results of the application of Stoke's formula to all available gravity
measurements, are discussed. From these data, level lines were constructed on
corresponding maps. Berroth concentrates his attention on the data referring
to Germany as presented on the map of central Europe, emphasizing the very
regular variation of level lines, ranging from +5.0 m in Sweden to +45.0 m in
northern Africa, which increases the accuracy of interpolations for individual
points.
Comparison is made between the data of Tanni's map and those of other
geophysicists. Certain discrepancies are noted, but on the whole the regional
shape of the geoid, as determined by Tanni, is to be considered as nearly correct.
Future gravitational surveys will only increase the precision. 8. T. V.
14188. Egyed, L[aszlo]. Some notes concerning the question of isostasy: Acta
Technica Acad. Sci. Hungaricae, tomus 4, fasc. 1-4, p. 75-84, 1952.
Assuming in principle the Airy-Heiskanen hypothesis of isostatic equilibrium,
but also that: the earth's crust consists of two layers of different density; is
partly covered with sediments of several kilometers thickness of a density less
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