The Earth's Gravity Field Components of the Differences Between Gravity Disturbances and Gravity Anomalies

Abstract

The differences between gravity anomalies and gravity disturbances are numerically investigated in this study. In particular, we demonstrate how the topography, atmosphere and mass irregularities enclosed within the geoid contribute to these differences. The numerical analysis is conducted at the area of study in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Results reveal that the dominant contributions due to the topography and mass irregularities within the geoid are similar in magnitude but opposite in sign to the extent that their combined contribution is reduced significantly. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.