Low Gravity
The country with the lowest gravity on Earth is often cited as Sri Lanka, particularly its southern tip, due to its location near the equator and a significant gravity anomaly in the Indian Ocean (IOGL) which causes the sea level to dip and local gravity to weaken, with effects seen in areas like Hambantota and Matara. Other low-gravity areas include parts of the Indian Ocean and Hudson Bay in Canada, while the strongest gravity is near the Andes in Bolivia.
Why Sri Lanka has low gravity:
Proximity to Equator: The Earth's rotation creates a centrifugal force that is strongest at the equator, slightly counteracting gravity, making equatorial regions naturally have lower gravity than the poles. Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL): A large gravity anomaly (a "gravity hole") exists southwest of Sri Lanka, where the Earth's crust is thinner, leading to less mass beneath the surface and a weaker gravitational pull.
Key Locations:
* Lowest: Southern tip of Sri Lanka (Hambantota, Matara districts). * Other Low-G areas: Parts of the Indian - Ocean, Hudson Bay, Canada. Highest Gravity: Northern Andes, Bolivia.
Impact
This unique low-gravity feature in Southern Sri Lanka has been linked to higher life expectancy and is sometimes suggested for promoting wellness tourism.
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