The Indian Ocean Gravity Anomaly

Title: The Indian Ocean Gravity Anomaly: A Test Case for Variable Fundamental Constants

Author: Orion Franklin, Syme Research Collective
Date: March 2025

Abstract

The Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) is one of the most significant gravitational anomalies on Earth, exhibiting a lower-than-expected gravitational field. Traditionally, this phenomenon has been attributed to mantle density variations, but deeper analysis suggests that it may represent a local deviation in fundamental physics. The More to C Hypothesis proposes that physical constants such as the speed of light (c) and Planck’s constant (h) subtly fluctuate under extreme energy densities. If these constants are variable at planetary scales, then the gravitational constant (G) may not be universally fixed but instead emerge as an environment-dependent property. This paper explores whether the IOGL provides a natural test case for these theoretical variations, potentially redefining how we understand planetary-scale gravitation and the fine-structure of fundamental forces.

1. Introduction: The Gravity Puzzle of the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) represents one of the largest known gravitational anomalies, where gravity is weaker than expected based on standard mass-density distributions. First identified via satellite geodesy, the anomaly covers a vast region south of India, with gravity readings up to 100 meters lower than the surrounding geoid level. Traditionally, geophysicists have attributed this effect to hot, low-density mantle plumes beneath the region. However, this explanation does not fully account for the observed deviations in satellite and geodetic measurements.

The IOGL raises several key questions:

• Why does the gravitational field diverge so significantly from mass-based predictions?

• Could this anomaly be a small-scale test of deviations in fundamental physical constants?

• If gravity (G) is not perfectly constant, does this support the hypothesis that fundamental constants such as c and h fluctuate under extreme conditions?

This paper explores the hypothesis that the IOGL is not merely a geophysical oddity but an indicator of deeper fundamental physics at play. By analyzing geophysical data, quantum field theories, and gravitational models, we propose that the IOGL may provide the first terrestrial-scale evidence of environmentally dependent variations in fundamental constants.

2. Geophysical Properties of the Indian Ocean Gravity Anomaly

2.1 Observed Gravitational Deviations

Satellite gravity missions such as GRACE and GOCE have mapped the Earth’s gravitational field with unprecedented accuracy. The IOGL stands out due to:

• A significant depression in the geoid, covering approximately 1200 km in diameter.

• A gravity reduction of ~4 milligals, well beyond typical geological variations.

• Seismic tomography revealing anomalous mantle density distributions, indicating large-scale convection currents.

While conventional models suggest mantle convection causes this anomaly, alternative physics models suggest subtle shifts in G, c, or h may contribute to the observed deviations.

2.2 Standard Geophysical Explanation: A Partial Answer

Traditional geophysical interpretations attribute the IOGL to:

• Hot, less-dense mantle material creating a local gravity well.

• Tectonic plate movements affecting mass distribution.

• Isostatic adjustments from past supercontinents.

While these factors play a role, they fail to fully explain why the anomaly is so extreme compared to other similar geological structures. If G is variable across different energy and mass densities, this could provide a better explanation for the deviation.

3. Theoretical Framework: Testing Fundamental Constant Variability

3.1 The More to C Hypothesis: Fluctuations in Fundamental Constants

The More to C Hypothesis proposes that c and h are not perfectly fixed constants but instead shift under extreme energy densities. If true, then the gravitational constant G, which traditionally relates mass to curvature in space-time, may also fluctuate as an emergent property.

We propose that:

• c and h fluctuate slightly in high-energy-density environments.

• G is an emergent parameter, adjusting dynamically to these shifts.

• The IOGL represents a natural test case for detecting local variations in these constants.

Mathematically, this can be expressed as:
G(E) = G_0 * (1 + alpha * (E / E_c))
where:

• G_0 is the traditionally accepted gravitational constant.

• E is the local energy density.

• E_c is the critical threshold beyond which G fluctuations become measurable.

• alpha represents a sensitivity coefficient.

3.2 Why the IOGL is a Candidate for Testing Variable G

If G is affected by mass-energy interactions in ways previously unaccounted for, then the IOGL should exhibit:

• Anomalous variations in gravitational acceleration that cannot be fully explained by mass-density models.

• Subtle time dilation differences detectable via atomic clock experiments.

• Energy-density-dependent shifts in geoid height measurements.

These effects would be consistent with a locally varying gravitational constant rather than a perfectly universal G.

4. Experimental Approaches: How to Test This Hypothesis

To determine whether the IOGL is evidence of fundamental constant variability, several experimental approaches can be pursued:

4.1 High-Precision Atomic Clocks in the IOGL Region

• Conduct synchronized atomic clock measurements across the IOGL region and a control location.

• If subtle time dilation effects exist, this suggests G varies dynamically.

4.2 Satellite-Based Gravity Anomaly Analysis

• Use high-resolution satellite missions to reassess the geoid at multiple energy thresholds.

• Compare GRACE and GOCE data against alternative models of fluctuating constants.

4.3 AI-Driven Data Mining of Gravitational Variability

• Train AI models on all known gravity anomaly data to detect patterns in geophysical deviations.

• AI may identify correlations between energy density shifts and unexpected gravitational variations.

5. Implications: Redefining the Role of G in Local Physics

If the IOGL reflects a regional fluctuation in fundamental constants, then:

• The gravitational constant G may be an environment-dependent parameter rather than a universal fixed constant.

• Future models of planetary gravity may need to incorporate local quantum field effects.

• The IOGL could become a terrestrial test site for investigating alternative gravity theories.

6. Conclusion: A Call for Experimental Validation

The Indian Ocean Geoid Low presents a unique opportunity to test whether gravity, and by extension fundamental constants, are truly invariant. If G, c, and h exhibit local variations, this would represent one of the most profound discoveries in modern physics, challenging the assumption that universal constants remain static across all conditions. Future studies using AI, atomic clocks, and satellite data may uncover hidden relationships between gravity, quantum fields, and energy density fluctuations.

References

Barrow, J. D. (1999). Cosmologies with Varying Light Speed. Physical Review D.
Carroll, S. (2003). Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity. Addison-Wesley.
GRACE Mission (2023). Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Final Report. NASA.
National Ignition Facility (2022). Advances in Inertial Confinement Fusion and Plasma Physics. NIF Science Review.
Planck, M. (1901). On the Law of Distribution of Energy in the Normal Spectrum. Annalen der Physik.
Syme Research Collective (2025). The More to C Hypothesis: Fundamental Constants and Energy Density. Syme Papers.

Explore More at Syme Papers: https://syme.ai/syme-papers