The 100th anniversary of the Poltava Gravimetric  Observatory: from subtle Earth tides  to seismic-tidal technology

Volodymyr Shliakhovyi; Ruslan Shyian

doi:10.24028/gj.v48i3.358436

Authors

Volodymyr Shliakhovyi Poltava Gravimetric Observatory of S. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Poltava, Ukraine, Ukraine
Ruslan Shyian Poltava Gravimetric Observatory of S. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Poltava, Ukraine, Ukraine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24028/gj.v48i3.358436

Keywords:

gravimeter, gravitation, Earth tide, earthquake, seismic, tiltmeter, technology

Abstract

The study of solid Earth tides is a fundamental method for investigating Earth’s internal structure, enabling analysis of geodynamic processes in the lithosphere, mantle, core, and atmosphere. Over a century of advancements in tidal observation techniques has brought forth the development of equipment characterized by ultra-high resolution and sensitivity. Modern instrumental observations are also used to monitor the geodynamic state of the environment, including its local and regional geostructures. They play a significant role in monitoring deformation regimes and assessing the structural stability of critical geotechnical infrastructure.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of Earth tide phenomena have been a primary research focus of the Poltava Gravimetric Observatory of the IGPH NASU since its inception in 1926. The research program encompasses astronomical, tiltmetric, gravimetric, and extensometric observations. Studies conducted in the first half of the 20th century not only successfully confirmed Earth tides as a real geophysical phenomenon but also established them as a fundamental source of scientific information regarding the Earth’s structure and internal processes. Between 1960 and 1990, the deployment of advanced equipment facilitated tidal studies at more than 40 stations in Ukraine, yielding extensive datasets for geodynamic analysis. Throughout its century-long history, the Poltava Gravimetric Observatory has made substantial contributions to the field of Earth tide research and the advancement of related technologies. This includes integrating Earth-tidal and seismic methods, which can serve not only fundamental research but also address critical practical challenges, such as monitoring the geological environment and the stability of mine workings and bridge structures, and investigating caving processes in mines.

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