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Properties of the gravity fields of terrestrial planetsThe properties of the gravity fields of the earth, Mars, and Venus, as expressed by spherical harmonic coefficients, are examined, using the harmonic expansions of the respective planetary topographies reported by Balmino et al. (1973), Bills and Ferrari (1978), and Bills and Kobrick (1985). The items examined include the spectral magnitudes and slopes of the gravity coefficients; the correlations between gravity and topography; and the correlations among different gravity harmonics, expressed by axiality and angularity. It was found that Venus differs from the other two planets in its great apparent depths of compensation, indicating a tectonics dominated by a stiff upper mantle. In addition, Venus has less activity deep in the mantle than do earth or Mars. Mars is marked by large gravity irregularities, as well as by their axial symmetry on a global scale. Although earth is probably the most peculiar planet, spherical harmonics do not bring out its varied characteristics. It is clearly a more active planet than Venus, with activity deep in the mantle. The lower magnitude of its higher harmonics is considered to be due to water recycled to the upper mantle.
Document ID
19930071955
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Kaula, William M.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: From Mars to Greenland: Charting gravity with space and airborne instruments - Fields, tides, methods, results (A93-55951 24-46)
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93A55952
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2085
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1040
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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