Method for testing the calibration of acceleration and pressure gauges installed at the ocean bottom

Abstract. A method is proposed for testing pressure gauges and z-accelerometers, installed in ocean-bottom observatories. The method is based on the linear relationship between variations of the ocean-bottom pressure and the z-acceleration, observed during seismic movements of the bottom within the frequency band of "forced oscillations". Calculation of the boundaries of this frequency band is based on the ocean depth at the observatory site making use of explicit formulae. In the case of correct calibration of the gauges calculation of the ratios of power spectra of bottom pressure variations and the z-accleration within the band of "forced oscillations" yields constant values equal to the square ratio of the total mean pressure and the gravity acceleration. The conditions for application of the proposed method are formulated.