The NEWTON-g 'gravity imager': a new window into processes involving subsurface fluids

Gravimetry is the only method able to directly track redistributions of bulk masses. Hence, it can supply unique information on geophysical processes that involve subsurface fluids like water, hydrocarbons, and magma. Nevertheless, the high cost of currently available gravimeters and the difficulty to use them in field conditions, has limited the applicability of the gravity method, that is indeed not as widely adopted as other geophysical methods.A new system for gravity measurements is being developed in the framework of the H2020 NEWTON-g project. This system, called “gravity imager”, includes an array of MEMS gravimeters, anchored to an absolute quantum device. It will enable, for the first time, gravity measurements at high spatio-temporal resolution. After the phases of design and production of the new devices, NEWTON-g involves a 2-year phase of field tests at Mt. Etna volcano (Italy), starting in the summer of 2020.