Determination of Surface Densities from a Combination of Gravimetry and Satellite Altimetry,

Abstract

The use of satellite altimetry by itself, and in combination with existing gravity material is considered for the determination of the gravity field of the earth. This is done by developing equations that relate surface density values defined in discrete blocks to geoid undulations and gravity anomalies. The use of a higher order reference field defined by a set of spherical harmonics is considered and truncation errors are computed when the contribution of an area outside a spherical cap is obtained from a spherical harmonic expansion of the anomaly field. A suggested solution to recover 5 degree equal area blocks is made with specific recommendations made on the ordering of these blocks so that structured sets of normal equations will result. The determination of a more local field (such as 1 degree) is discussed using the global 5 degrees field as a basis. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0759536

Entities

People

  • John F. Isner

Organizations

  • Ohio State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altimetry
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Equations
  • Gravimetry
  • Gravity
  • Gravity Anomalies
  • Harmonics
  • Materials
  • Mathematics
  • Spherical Harmonics
  • Truncation
  • Undulation

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris