Detecting Gravity Waves: Seeking Answers

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the detection of gravity waves, specifically distinguishing them from gravitational waves. Participants explore various aspects of gravity waves, including their characteristics and methods of detection, with a focus on atmospheric and oceanic contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how gravity waves are detected, emphasizing the distinction from gravitational waves.
  • Another participant inquires about the medium in which gravity waves exist.
  • It is noted that gravity waves are relevant to both the atmosphere and the ocean, with a particular emphasis on atmospheric phenomena.
  • Participants discuss the difference between gravity waves, associated with meteorology, and gravitational waves, linked to astronomy.
  • One participant suggests that gravity waves relate to fluid dynamics and mentions reviewing applied mathematics notes for further insights.
  • A suggestion is made that gravity waves may be detected through visual inspection, referencing a Wikipedia link.
  • Another participant challenges the adequacy of the Wikipedia page for answering the original question about detection methods.
  • One participant proposes a method for measuring gravity waves using a float mechanism and Fourier transform analysis to quantify the waves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between gravity waves and gravitational waves, but there is no consensus on the specific methods for detecting gravity waves. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain regarding detection techniques.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of detailed methodologies for detection and the dependence on definitions of gravity waves. The discussion does not resolve the specifics of detection techniques.

Awsom Guy
Messages
77
Reaction score
0
HI,
Can someone please tell me how gravity waves are detected. Please note that I am talking about gravity waves "not" gravitational waves they are two different things. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
in what medium?
 
Both atmosphere and the ocean but more on atmosphere. Thanks.
 
Awsom Guy said:
Please note that I am talking about gravity waves "not" gravitational waves they are two different things.
Please explain what you think the difference is.
 
Gravity waves has something to do with the sky (meteorology) and gravitational is something to do with astronomy.
 
Gravity waves is a fluid dynamics thing. I'll rummage through my applied maths notes if I have the time later.
 
yes, but how are they detected? please help. any help is awesome. thanks
 
  • #10
pallidin said:
I don't think that's what the OP is referring to.

Pretty sure it is, given he mentions atmosphere and ocean, which are the two canonical examples of gravity waves, and is talking about meteorology, not general relativity. Everyone seems to be confusing gravity waves for gravitational waves, and I think the op has made it abundantly clear that he is referring to the former.
 
  • #11
Having re-read the posts I see that now. My bad.
 
  • #12
The wikipedia page does not answer my questio, I have already been there. I need to know how they detect these gravity waves. Please help, thanks.
 
  • #13
Awsom Guy said:
The wikipedia page does not answer my questio, I have already been there. I need to know how they detect these gravity waves. Please help, thanks.

If I wanted to measure and quantify them, I'd make a float like a fishing bob, on a shaft so it can only move vertically. Measure the position of the bob over time, and then use a Fourier transform on the list of numbers to identify the mixture of waves present.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
17K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
20K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K