Topography and geoid due to lithospheric mass anomalies

Abstract

A model of lithospheric thickness and a recent compilation of Moho depths are used to compute the Earth's isostatic surface topography and associated gravity anomalies. The results are strongly influenced by the uncertainties in lithospheric depth and crustal density profiles. The preferred models explain most of the observed topography and are highly correlated with observed gravity anomalies for harmonic degrees larger than 10. Comparisons of our residual topography with geodynamical calculations of dynamic topography based on mantle circulation are rather poor. Copyright © 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved