Mathematical models of the Earth’s density structure and their applications in gravimetric forward modeling

Authors

  • Robert TENZER School of Geodesy and Geomatics, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1515/congeo-2015-0014

Keywords:

crust, density, gravity, model

Abstract

A generalized mathematical model of the Earth’s density structure is presented in this study. This model is defined based on applying the spectral expressions for a 3-D density distribution within the arbitrary volumetric mass layers. The 3-D density model is then converted into a form which describes the Earth’s density structure by means of the density-contrast interfaces between the volumetric mass layers while additional correction terms are applied to account for radial density changes. The applied numerical schemes utilize methods for a spherical harmonic analysis and synthesis of the global density structure models. The developed the Earth’s density models are then defined in terms of the spherical density and density-contrast functions. We also demonstrate how these Earth’s density models can be applied in the gravimetric forward modeling and discuss some practical aspects of representing mathematically density structures within particular components of the Earth’s interior.

Author Biography

Robert TENZER, School of Geodesy and Geomatics, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

The Key Laboratory of Geospace Environment and Geodesy

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Published

2015-06-30

How to Cite

TENZER, R. (2015). Mathematical models of the Earth’s density structure and their applications in gravimetric forward modeling. Contributions to Geophysics and Geodesy, 45(2), 67–92. https://doi.org/10.1515/congeo-2015-0014

Issue

Section

original research papers