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Bouguer anomaly

A Bouguer anomaly is a correction applied to gravity measurements to account for the effects of terrain and elevation, helping scientists identify variations in Earth's subsurface density. When measuring gravity, factors like mountains or valleys can distort readings; the Bouguer anomaly adjusts for these influences, revealing areas where rock density differs from the average. Positive anomalies suggest denser materials, such as mineral deposits, while negative ones may indicate less dense regions like sediment-filled basins. This helps geologists interpret subsurface structures and understand Earth's composition more accurately.