Question

The acceleration due to gravity on the Earth's surface depends on

• A. latitude
• B. longitude
• C. elevation
• D. topography of the surrounding terrain

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C, D

The question asks us about the factors on which the acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface depends. Let's understand each factor:

1. Latitude: The acceleration due to gravity varies with latitude due to the Earth's rotation and its oblate spheroid shape. It is generally higher at the poles and lower at the equator. This is because the centrifugal force due to Earth's rotation is maximum at the equator, counteracting gravitational pull slightly, and minimum at the poles.
2. Longitude: The position of longitude does not affect the acceleration due to gravity significantly. Gravity varies with latitude but not with longitude, so this option is incorrect.
3. Elevation: The acceleration due to gravity decreases with an increase in altitude (elevation). This is because the gravitational force decreases with distance from the Earth's center, following the inverse-square law.
4. Topography of the surrounding terrain: Local variations in topography, such as mountains, valleys, and density differences in Earth's crust, can cause slight variations in gravity. This means that gravity is indeed influenced by local geographical formations.

Thus, the correct options are:

• latitude
• elevation
• topography of the surrounding terrain

These factors contribute to variations in gravitational strength at different places on Earth's surface. Understanding these variations is essential in geodesy and related geological studies.