An analysis of the future of quantum gravimeters in hydrology using computer modelling.

There are still many unexplored hypotheses regarding subsurface water movement, and gravimetry could be a tool to elucidating them. The field of gravimetry has been used in hydrology as an auxiliary methodology for many years, but recent developments in quantum technology has improved the sensitivity and accuracy of gravimeters significantly. Computer modelling can provide a helpful way of assessing the benefits of new technologies. A number of soil types were modelled to determine their wetting and drying curves, as well as a number of weather event scenarios. From these hydrological models, the changes in density produced in accordance with the wetting and drying curves were determined. The resulting change in local gravity could then be calculated and modelled with the parameters for each instrument, to determine the detection thresholds and relevancy of classical and quantum gravimeters, as well as gravity gradiometry. The data shows not only the sensitivity and accuracy of each, but can also be scaled to show their utility in varying degrees of environmental noise, ensuring that these results can be relevant to field conditions. This project should clearly demonstrate the increased visibility of subsurface water storage and flux with the use of quantum technology, sparking a conversation around the future of data gathering in hydrology.