Suppose there are no "fields" in space.  Suppose there are particles whose interactions are governed by Quantum Theory.  Gravity is the result of graviton exchange between particles governed by Quantum Theory. Quantum Theory employs the mathematics of probability to demonstrate the likelyhood that a given particle exists at a given place and time. Quantum Theory together with the wave particle nature of particles explains, at small distances the phenomena previously attributed to "fields".  There is no "action at a distance".  All space pervaded by particles exchanging gravitons exhibits gravity.  Those regions of space not pervaded by particles exchanging gravitons do not exhibit gravity.

If gravity is a ubiquitous continuum then wouldn't the continuum include gravitons?  Precisely how they are included I don't know. 

Consider the following very loosely related analogy:  You are standing on a hilltop on a windy, clear day.  You have an unobstructed view of a building in the distance.  You can feel the wind.  Wind is a phenomenon.  We can map it and write equations to describe it, and we can measure it.  Yet wherever you choose to stand where the wind is blowing the behavior of the gas molecules around you can be characterized by gas mechanics.  Wind is the overall or aggregate effect of individual gas molecules.  I am suggesting that gravity is the overall or aggregate effect of particles exchanging gravitons. 

Further, there can be small changes in the index of refraction of the air between you and the building you see in the distance caused, for example by heat.  These small effects can sometimes be seen.  Wouldn't it be interesting if there were small, observable changes in the vast "sea" of particles exchanging gravitons?  Bill

There is something further to suggest, I think:  If(and it's a big if)gravity is the result of closely spaced particles exchanging gravitons it should be possible to calculate the velocity of propagation of a disturbance from particle to particle(s) in somewhat the same way the velocity of propagation of a tsunami in the open ocean can be calculated.  Bill

Good point.  So I would have to explain using closely spaced particles exchanging gravitons as a model how microgravity exists inside an orbiting Space Shuttle, for example.  Bill

Bill wrote:

There is something further to suggest, I think:  If(and it's a big if)gravity is the result of closely spaced particles exchanging gravitons it should be possible to calculate the velocity of propagation of a disturbance from particle to particle(s) in somewhat the same way the velocity of propagation of a tsunami in the open ocean can be calculated.  Bill

Changes in gravity propagate at the speed of light.

Mitch Raemsch