Precise Gravimetric Surveys with the Field Absolute Gravimeter A-10

The A-10 field absolute gravimeter produced by the company Micro-g LaCoste Inc. was found to comply well with the producer specification of an uncertainty of 100 nm s(-2) for the determination of gravity acceleration. Repeated observational checks at a known reference station and careful calibration of instrumental standards demonstrated that the gravity measurements quality could further be enhanced. This opens new applications for precise gravimetry like the establishment of reference networks for monitoring global change processes where uncertainties of a few 10 nm s(-2) are of high value. The results and experiences from two extensive field campaigns using an A-10 gravimeter are presented.