MGAL Meaning and
Definition
-
Mgal is a unit of measurement used in geophysics and gravity studies to quantify gravity anomalies. It stands for milligal, derived from the words "milli" meaning one thousandth and "gal" representing the unit of acceleration due to gravity. The gal is named after Galileo, the famous Italian physicist.
Gravity anomalies refer to variations in the Earth's gravitational field, often caused by differences in the density distribution of materials within the Earth's interior. Mgal, being a milligal, is equivalent to one thousandth (1/1000) of a gal or approximately 1 centimeter per second squared (cm/s²).
By utilizing sensitive instruments called gravimeters, scientists measure the gravitational acceleration at different locations on the Earth's surface. These measurements are then used to calculate gravity anomalies and detect variations in gravitational forces. The milligal unit allows for precise and accurate quantification of these variations.
Mgal values can be positive or negative, representing areas with higher or lower gravitational acceleration compared to the normal gravitational field at the reference point. These discrepancies help identify geological features like underground structures, subsurface density contrasts, fault lines, and other gravitational anomalies that aid in studying and understanding the Earth's composition, subterranean dynamics, and geophysical processes.
Common Misspellings for MGAL
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
