Investigation of gravity anomalies in the KMA in the early twentieth century

For the study of local gravity anomalies, pendulum devices were first used by P. K. Sternberg in 1916-1917, investigating the Moscow gravitational anomaly, but even there the work was carried out indoors. A. A. Mikhailov also participated in these studies.


For the first time, A. A. Mikhailov decided to use pendulum devices for field gravimetric reconnaissance. Since the magnetic anomalies were localized in narrow bands, gravimetric observations had to be made at points not far from each other (sometimes less than half a kilometer) in an open field. However, pendulum devices required a solid foundation and stable temperature. Then A. A. Mikhailov decided to conduct observations in deep rectangular pits. It took two to three days at each observation point to obtain reliable values of gravity acceleration.


We watched around the clock in three shifts. I had to sit in an earthen pit for 5-6 hours by the light of a kerosene lamp and count for 10 minutes every half hour the passage of "bunnies" — glare from the pendulums through the thread in the meter tube. The observations were carried out using the "classical" method of astronomers and gravimetrists of that time, "by eye and ear," which required some skill. So, I had to "keep to myself" the count of seconds on the chronometer, not looking at it, but only listening and at the same time watching the jumps of the "bunny", estimate by eye up to a tenth of a second the moment of its passage through the thread, record this moment in the observation log without losing count of seconds, and after 15-20 seconds observe the next one the signal. Rhythmic time signals and astronomical observations of stars (Zinger pairs) were used to determine chronometer corrections. Nowadays, when using photographic or automatic registration, the results of observations are processed on electronic computers, this method seems archaic. But at that time it was the most advanced and it was used by gravimetrists of all countries.


It was impossible to fall asleep during the observations, but the breaks between them were the most painful. You can't get out of the pit during breaks.: it can either cool down (at night) or overheat (during the day). That's when I learned to smoke so I wouldn't fall asleep and miss the observation period.


Despite the low accuracy of the pendulum instruments, the measurements made it possible to detect obvious gravitational anomalies of the order of 10 mgal over a period of 2-3 km and gave instructions for the location of exploration drilling wells. Heavy layers of magnetite quartzites were found in some places only at a depth of about 100 m. Ores containing more than 50% pure iron are now being successfully developed.


For us, young students, astronomers K. N. Yakhontov, K. N. Shistovsky, A. B. Polyakov and myself, who were part of the gravitational team of A. A. Mikhailov, these works under the guidance of such an exceptional teacher were an excellent school of precision measurements. In addition, I learned on these expeditions the real industrial measurement of clock corrections and made the first theoretical calculations for determining the location of disturbing underground masses.


The geophysical work of the Special Commission for the Study of the Kursk magnetic anomaly in 1921-1926 not only served to clarify the enormous reserves of iron ores in this area, but also gave a powerful first impetus to further work on the geophysical exploration of minerals, forcing researchers such as G. A. Gamburtsev, P. M. Nikiforov, L. V. Sorokin, A. I. Zaborovsky and others. many others, to develop theory, equipment, and intelligence methods. M. A. Leontovich also worked on the Kursk anomaly with a magnetic "pot". I was satisfied with these works, because I was engaged not only in "far from life" astrophysics, but also brought some benefit to our national economy. This unique welcome bonus from 1xBet provides new players an excellent opportunity to boost their funds and explore the wide range of sports and casino games. 1xBet promo code list cannot be combined with other promotions or bonuses. Additionally, just like VAR, 1xBet reserves the right to modify or terminate the offer at any time without prior notice. So don’t hesitate – “Just do it” and kick off your sports betting journey with 1xbet today.

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