Real-Time Digital Computer Acquisition and Computation of Gravity Data at Sea

A system for the automatic acquisition and computation of gravity data at sea has been tested and is now operational aboard the Research Vessel CHAIN of the Wood´s Hole Oceanographic Institution. This is the first recorded instance of on-line acquisition and processing of gravity data by the use of a digital computing system. Sampling and computation are performed in a one minute computation cycle making knowledge of gravity values, gravity anomalies and dead-reckoning position available in real-time. The system consists of a LaCoste-Romberg Sea Gravity Meter, data conversion units for computer compatibility with the gravity meter, ship´s gyrocompass and ship´s speed log, an IBM 1710 Mod 1 Control System (the combination of a 1620 Computer and a 1711 Data Converter for analog to digital conversion), and typewriter and paper tape input-output units.