On a spectral method for forward gravity field modelling

Journal article (2016)

Authors

B.C. Root Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering
P. Novak University of West Bohemia
D. Dirkx Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering , Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC
M. Kaban Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Russian Academy of Sciences
W. van der Wal Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering
L.L.A. Vermeersen Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Physical and Space Geodesy - CEG
Research Group
Astrodynamics & Space Missions (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2016 B.C. Root, P. Novak, D. Dirkx, M. Kaban, W. van der Wal, L.L.A. Vermeersen
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jog.2016.02.008
Forward gravitational field modelling Global density models Spherical harmonic representation
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Published Date

2016

Language

English

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Space Engineering

Research Group

Astrodynamics & Space Missions

Abstract

This article reviews a spectral forward gravity field modelling method that was initially designed for topographic/isostatic mass reduction of gravity data. The method transforms 3D spherical density models into gravitational potential fields using a spherical harmonic representation. The binomial series approximation in the approach, which is crucial for its computational efficiency, is examined and an error analysis is performed. It is shown that, this method cannot be used for density layers in crustal and upper mantle regions, because it results in large errors in the modelled potential field. Here, a correction is proposed to mitigate this erroneous behaviour. The improved method is benchmarked with a tesseroid gravity field modelling method and is shown to be accurate within ±4 mGal for a layer representing the Moho density interface, which is below other errors in gravity field studies. After the proposed adjustment the method can be used for the global gravity modelling of the complete Earth's density structure.