Geophysical surveys use physical methods at the Earth's surface to measure subsurface physical properties and anomalies. Types of geophysical surveys include gravity, magnetic, electrical, seismic, radiometric, and geothermal methods. The gravity method measures minute variations in gravity caused by differences in subsurface density and distance from the Earth's center. Gravity surveys can be aerial or land-based, using a highly sensitive gravimeter. Processed gravity data is plotted on maps showing variations indicating subsurface densities, and is used for hydrocarbon exploration, mineral deposits, cavity detection, and other applications.