Change in gravity due to oil deposit

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on calculating the mass of an oil deposit located 3000 meters below the Earth's surface, given a decrease in gravity of 2 parts in 10^7. The relevant gravitational equation used is $$F_g = \frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}$$. The user attempted to derive the mass of the oil deposit, initially calculating it as 2.697e+10 kg, but recognized this result as incorrect. The discussion emphasizes the need for clarity on the interpretation of relative gravity changes and the correct application of gravitational equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force equations, specifically $$F_g = \frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}$$
  • Knowledge of density calculations for different materials, such as rock and oil
  • Familiarity with the concept of relative gravity changes
  • Basic skills in algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of gravitational anomalies and their implications in geophysics
  • Study the derivation and application of gravitational equations in subsurface resource estimation
  • Learn about the methods for calculating mass from density and volume, particularly for spherical objects
  • Explore case studies on oil deposit estimation using gravity measurements
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for geophysicists, students studying physics or geology, and professionals involved in resource exploration and estimation, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

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Homework Statement


"A mining company finds gravity is 2 parts in 10^7 less over a certain area. Assume there is an oil deposit 3000m below. Take the density of rock to be 3000 kg/m^3, and the density of oil to be 1000 kg/m^3. Estimate the mass of the deposit, assumed spherical."

Homework Equations


$$F_g = \frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I remember my professor mentioning in class that the oil deposit's mass can be treated as negative. Thus when the acceleration due to gravity from the oil deposit was subtracted from the total acceleration due to gravity, this would be the same as measured gravity. Thus: $$\frac{Gm_{earth}}{r_{earth}^2}-\frac{Gm_{oil}}{r_{toOil}^2}=\frac{Gm_{earth}}{r_{earth}^2}-\frac{2}{{10}^{7}}$$

where ##r_{toOil}## is the radius between the surface of the Earth and the oil (3000m). This simplifies to: $$\frac{Gm_{oil}}{r_{toOil}^2}=\frac{2}{{10}^{7}}$$

And when I plugged in the numbers I got the result that the mass of the oil was 2.697e+10 kg, which was wrong. I have no clue where to go from here. Any guidance would be enormously appreciated.
 
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2 parts in 107 is probably relative:$$
\frac{Gm_{earth}}{r_{earth}^2}-\frac{Gm_{oil}}{r_{toOil}^2}=\frac{Gm_{earth}}{r_{earth}^2}\left ( 1-\frac{2}{{10}^{7}} \right ) $$
 

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