Static deformations and gravity changes at the earth's surface due to atmospheric loading

A method and apparatus provided at the initial stages of the drying section in a paper making machine for reliably transporting the web from the press section to the drying section and for reliably transporting the web at the initial drying section stage including a group of drying cylinders including a pair of substantially horizontal rows of drying cylinders located one above the other defining an upper drying cylinder row and a lower drying cylinder row and a web supporting lower endless drying belt extending alternately between drying cylinders in said upper and lower drying cylinder rows alternately lapping sectors of the drying cylinders in the upper and lower rows. In its transport over these drying cylinders the web is separated from the drying cylinders in the upper cylinder row by the lower drying belt while the web is in contact with the drying cylinders in the lower cylinder row. An upper endless drying belt contacts the web portions which extend over the upper drying cylinders so that the web is located between the upper and lower drying belts over at least a portion of its travel over the upper drying cylinders. A selectively adjustable lead-in roller directs the upper drying belt into contact with a lead-in drying cylinder at least during the period when the web is directed from the press section to the drying section.