A support for the existence of paleolakes and paleorivers buried under Saharan sand by means of “gravitational signal” from EIGEN 6C4

The goal of this study is to demonstrate that and how the recent gravitational and topographic data support the findings made by geologists and others as for the existence of the paleolakes and paleoriver systems, now buried under the sands of Sahara. It is always important and useful to have such an independent analysis supporting certain results, and this paper is such a case. We make use of the gravity disturbances (or anomalies), the Marussi tensor of the second derivatives of the disturbing geopotential, the gravitational invariants and their certain ratio, the strike angle and the virtual deformations. The geopotential is represented by the global combined (from satellite and terrestrial data) high-resolution gravity field model EIGEN 6C4 (till degree and order 2160 in spherical harmonic expansion). The topography is derived from the ASTER GDEM and ETOPO 1 models (both are used). With all these data, we confirm the existence of huge paleolakes or paleoriver systems under the Saharan sands known or anticipated in an independent way by geologists for the lakes MegaChad, Fazzan and Chotts; for Tamanrasset river valley; and Kufrah Basin, presumptive previous flow of the Nile River. Moreover, we suggest a part of the Grand Egyptian Sand Sea as another “candidate” for a paleolake and hence for a follow-up survey.     

数字图像技术在重力异常地形校正中的应用

通过对地形体及其密度信息数字图像化,利用计算机仿真能较精确地计算出地形体在任意一点的重力场强度。在重力异常地形校正时,用各测点的实测数据减去相应测点的地形体重力场强度,即得到地形改正和中间层改正后的重力场强度。这样,重力异常校正中的地形改正和中间层改正可一并完成,既简化了校正的工作步骤,又提高了准确性。通过地形体实例,分别用数字图像仿真计算和积分精确计算其重力场强度,结果表明,二者计算结果十分相近。用数字图像仿真计算地形体重力场强度,误差较小,准确性较高,该方法完全适合重力异常地形校正。     

Spectral harmonic analysis and synthesis of Earth’s crust gravity field

We developed and applied a novel numerical scheme for a gravimetric forward modelling of the Earth’s crustal density structures based entirely on methods for a spherical analysis and synthesis of the gravitational field. This numerical scheme utilises expressions for the gravitational potentials and their radial derivatives generated by the homogeneous or laterally varying mass density layers with a variable height/depth and thickness given in terms of spherical harmonics. We used these expressions to compute globally the complete crust-corrected Earth’s gravity field and its contribution generated by the Earth’s crust. The gravimetric forward modelling of large known mass density structures within the Earth’s crust is realised by using global models of the Earth’s gravity field (EGM2008), topography/bathymetry (DTM2006.0), continental ice-thickness (ICE-5G), and crustal density structures (CRUST2.0). The crust-corrected gravity field is obtained after modelling and subtracting the gravitational contribution of the Earth’s crust from the EGM2008 gravity data. These refined gravity data mainly comprise information on the Moho interface and mantle lithosphere. Numerical results also reveal that the gravitational contribution of the Earth’s crust varies globally from 1,843 to 12,010 mGal. This gravitational signal is strongly correlated with the crustal thickness with its maxima in mountainous regions (Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau and Andes) with the presence of large isostatic compensation. The corresponding minima over the open oceans are due to the thin and heavier oceanic crust.     

Tea forest in the making: Tea production and the ambiguity of modernity on China’s southwest frontier

The simultaneous but incompatible desires for both “tradition” and “advancement” have produced the “ambiguity of modernity” in the areas of minority nationalities (shaoshu minzu diqu) on China’s southwest frontier. This paper, in accordance, directly addresses the ambiguity of modernity through the investigation of the tea landscape in Yunnan. This essay builds on Aihwa Ong and Stephen Collier’s “global assemblage” framework to analyze the relationship between the “global form” of modernity and the situated assemblages of “ambiguity of modernity” in southwest China. Data are based on ethnographic research in the village of Mangjing, located in Jingmai Mountain, a renowned tea mountain in Yunnan. Most of the villagers in Mangjing are one of the minority nationalities of China, Bulang. I discuss the state-led project in transforming the modern tea plantation for “restoring” a landscape deemed as “ancient tea forest” (guchalin) in Mangjing. In addition, I address Bulang villagers’ and government officials’ multiple responses to the transformation of tea landscapes. I argue that the transformation of tea landscapes has been the practice to turn the “global form” of modernity into the shifting “assemblages” amongst tradition, modernity, science, and nature. The ambiguity of modernity has emerged from the shifting assemblages, providing both the state and Bulang villagers more leeway to symbolically and physically (re)produce meanings for the tea landscapes to meet the contingent market demand for tea. The transformation of tea landscapes, however, has become another process to perpetuate Bulang villagers’ social status of being “low quality” as China’s minority nationalities.     

Eastern Mediterranean gravity potential and the Hellenic subduction process

Tornographic images of the Mediterranean upper mantle P-wave velocity structure have been used to analyse the gravity potential in the vicinity of the Hellenic subduction zone. The velocity anomalies are assumed to be proportional to density variations according to Birch's law. The effect of the topography on the geoid in the region is also calculated. The results indicate that the upper mantle geoid signal probably has significant amplitudes of several metres, but it correlates poorly with the observed geoid. The geoid calculated from topography correlates well, but has an amplitude that is too large in comparison with the observed geoid. The results show that an improved understanding of the Hellenic subduction zone geoid requires refinement of the Moho topography, so that the effect of this topography can be separated from the upper mantle signature.     

Tectonic implied results from geoid and topography signals

The topographic surface is a measure of static equilibrium from the actual density distribution within the outmost Earth's lithosphere. The natural height reference of this surface, known as geoid, reflects the mixed mass-density effects, caused by the same sources, without the contribution of topographic mass. Geoid undulation and topography are output signals, which carry in common a large part of the contribution from the causal “sources”. This contribution appears in both types of signal. Comparisons between the signals depict the geographical location and an estimation of the depth occurrence of areas with geophysical and tectonic formations depending on their correlation rate. We present results from the Greek region, known for its complex diversity in topography, tectonics and dynamics. The tests are in point and “surface” concept, from local and global signals of geoid and topography. Local geoid is represented at 91 GPS points and EGM 96 coefficients compute its global representation. The topography is point values within the area, and the ETOPO5 5′X5′ data within the geographical frame.     

新疆于田及周边地区地震活动性与重力异常特征

基于最新重力场模型对2014年于田M_s7.3地震震区的重力异常特征进行分析, 并应用Crust1.0地壳模型计算得到震区的深部构造形态, 结果显示: 震中位于地壳厚度陡变带上.同2008年于田M_s7.3地震相比, 震中虽位于不同位置, 但发震机制均与深部地壳结构变化密切相关.统计研究区内历史地震活动性与重力异常之间的关系, 发现震中的自由空气异常与地形存在明显的线性相关性, 而布格异常和均衡异常的结果则明显不同.进一步地分别计算不同重力异常的水平总梯度和线性信号, 结果表明: 重力异常梯度量与地形的相关特性更明显.研究表明: M_s7.0以上大震活动与重力异常之间具有明显的统计特性学, 这可能与重力异常反映的深部结构和壳内质量分布的不均匀有关.      

Modelling the geoid and sea-surface topography in coastal areas

This paper looks at the relation between the time-averaged level of the sea surface and a gravimertic geoid, as determined in coastal areas. Measurements in local regions can now be accurate enough to demonstrate that the geoid and mean sea level are not even parallel to each other, let alone identical. The accuracy and pattern structure of surface gravity data in some shelf seas is comparable with those on land, so that a marine geoid can be derived from surface data without using satellite altimetry. The geodetic objective is then to combine the two to determine sea surface topography. In principle, gravimetric studies provide the absolute datum so that local oceanographic models on the shelf can be combined with sea surface topography models related to the global ocean circulation. In contrast, sea surface topography information near deep ocean coasts must come from external sources and satellite altimetry used to give the gravity data needed to offset the less good coverage by ship-borne gravimetry.Marine Bouguer anomalies enable two specific problems of gravity anomaly patterns near the continent ocean transition to be overcome. The necessary extension of Stokes' condensation reduction is developed and illustrated along a north-south profile from the Mediterranean across the Cote d'Azur. The effect on gravity of deep ocean water introduces a geoid correction in the form of a dipolar ridge whose amplitude at the shore is about 11 cm. In addition to geostrophic currents, a semi-quantitative model for the thermohaline effects on sea surface topography is discussed in relation to sea level differences between the Atlantic and Mediterranean.In considering appropriate algorithms for local geoid computation, Kirby's Iterative Fourier Combination routine for combining altimetry and surface gravity is extended to account for global sea surface topography. The impact of very fast spherical harmonic analysis algorithms is discussed and a simple physical model is given which explains the short coherence lengths found for the global gravity field. This necessary assumption for any local geoid computation was hitherto purely empirical.Finally, the use of land data such as tide gauges, ellipsoidal heights from GPS, and orthometric heights from first order levelling are reviewed as ways of corroborating geodetic estimates of sea surface topography and its relation to levelling datums. Successful examples are given from southern England.     

The Rapid Inversion of 3-D Potential Field and Program Design

The application of three-dimensional inversion of gravity and magnetic fields is very important not only in geophysical researches, but also in the study of geological structures. A formula of potential field in frequency-domain, developed by Parker in 1973, can be used as a rapid and effective algorithm in gravity and magnetic inversion. The technique has been improved then by Oldenburg, Sprenke, Feng and others.In addition to a brief introduction of Parker's algorithm and its applications, this paper includes the following five parts: basic computational techniques, inversion of single layer, convergence and constraints, simultaneous inversion for density and topography as well as inversion of multilayers. The authors present relevant practical iterative formulas and its varieties when density distribution varies with depth in linear or exponential relation. In order to maintain computation stability and speed up iteration convergence, some approaches are taken in the program design, for instance shifting lower interface of the studied layer, inverting corrections of topography, reducing grid boundary effects and utilizing low-pass filter. With the consideration of the nonuniqueness of the inversion, a method of using seismic data to constrain the range ofpossible models is discussed. It is pointed out that the density variation generates less effects than those of topography on the spectrum of gravity anomaly in second order. Therefore density contrast and topography can be inverted simultaneously by an alternative weighting iteration. By analogy, the inversion of multilayer model can be done in the above procedure. An approach of model decomposition is useful in the computation of multilayer model. The techniques discussed in the present paper for gravitational field are also valid for magnetic field.     

Quantitative basis of geological and metallogenic zoning of fold regions

Use of numbers on maps and diagrams would eliminate the ambiguity arising from use of essentially meaningless terms, e.g. “widespread” (i.e. 10% to 90% of something), “much,” “little,” and others. Quantitative characterizations of geologic-lithologic sections, numerical expressions of mineral commodity reserves on maps, etc are entirely justified by the abundance of such data as exemplified by the Altay-Sayan regions and by other U.S.S.R. territories. -- V.P. Sokoloff.     

青藏高原定日—木孜塔格峰地区重力场特征与断裂构造

为研究青藏高原的地下地质结构和断裂,陕西省地质调查院于2003年～2006年在定日—木孜塔格峰区进行了1∶100万区域重力调查。作者等对获得的重力资料进行了处理和分析,结合地质及其他地球物理资料,将该区布格重力场分成七个区域,描述了其主要特征并分析了其地质意义。进行了定日—木孜塔格峰剖面的重力曲线拟合计算及地质解释,获得了该区地壳结构的定量模型。识别出30条断裂,对它们进行了分类,对其中的重要断裂进行了详细解释。结果表明:重力场分区特征与地质构造分区特征对应得较好;高原边缘及内部各块体间重要的边界断裂都在重力场上有明显的显示;断裂按走向分为近东西向、北东向、近南北向等3组,其中近东西向断裂为主干断裂。     

Gravity data as a tool for landfill study

This paper shows the potential of gravity data to map a buried landfill bottom topography. To this end, a gravity inversion method is presented for estimating the landfill’s bottom depths at discrete points assuming a decrease of the density contrast with depth according to a hyperbolic law. The method’s efficiency was tested using synthetic data from simulated waste landfills, producing estimated bottom topographies very close to the true ones. The method’s potentiality has been further evaluated in applying it to the gravity data from the abandoned Thomas Farm Landfill site, Indiana, USA, whose bottom topography is known. The estimated topography showed close agreement with the known Thomas Farm Landfill’s bottom topography.     

Geological evaluation of EIGEN-6C4 and GOCE derived gravity models in and around Karakoram shear zone,Leh, India

New generation high resolution gravity models derived from space-borne gravity data, integrated with land based surveys, have enabled understanding of regional gravity field over regions, which are till date considered to be inaccessible for land surveys, especially in mountainous terrains. In this study, we evaluate two high resolution gravity models EIGEN-6C4 and GO_CONS_GCF_2_TIM_R5 in order to understand its usability in identification of meso-scale regional geological features and lithological boundaries around the Karakoram shear zone, in Leh, India. The EIGEN-6C4 is a “hybrid” model integrating data from space-borne sensors and terrestrial data, whereas GO_CONS_GCF_2_TIM_R5 is a model derived from the latest space-borne GOCE sensor. Bouguer gravity anomaly has been derived for both the models and compared. It is seen that, the GOCE derived model pertains to the regional gravity field of the region and compares well with the regional derivative of the EIGEN-6C4 model. Further, the EIGEN-6C4 has been analyzed using horizontal derivatives (dx, dy), analytical signal (ANS) and tilt derivative (TDR) techniques. These, derived maps are then overlain on published geological map of the area to understand the correlation between sub-surface geology vis a vis gravitational signal. The major and distinct geological signatures as derived from the various derivative maps correlate well with the existing geological map. The source boundaries derived from the TDR map agrees reasonably well with the lithological boundaries. Further, the anomaly and derivative maps from EIGEN-6C4 indicates towards a possible continuation of the Shyok suture zone in the region. Therefore, for the given spatial extent of the area under consideration, the GOCE derived model represents the regional field, whereas the EIGEN-6C4 data and derivatives are of sufficient resolution for understanding the geological variability in and around the Karakoram shear zone.     

Gravitational redshift test with the space radio telescope “RadioAstron”

The space radio telescope “RadioAstron” is equipped with a high performance hydrogen maser frequency standard and thus provides a unique opportunity for a gravitational redshift test. We consider various modes of operation of the on-board scientific equipment and their impact on accuracy of the anticipated experiment. We find that the accuracy of the test is limited by ～10^?2 for the hardware configuration routinely used in radio astronomical observations, which is a consequence of using ballistic data to remove the nonrelativistic Doppler frequency shift from the analyzed signal. On the other hand, the so-called “Semi-coherent” mode of the on-board hardware provides for combining the space and ground maser signals in such a way that the resulting signal carries information about the useful effect but is free from the nonrelativistic Doppler and tropospheric frequency shifts. The proposed compensation scheme, which is different from the one used in the Gravity Probe A experiment, allows for testing the gravitational redshift effect with ～10^?6 accuracy.     

Gravity field recovery from airborne gradiometer data using collaction and taking into account correlated errors

Least squares collocation is a very comprehensive method for gravity field modelling, since it may use known noise characteristics of the data. In many earlier applications the errors affecting the data were considered uncorrelated, mainly due to the difficulty in estimating the systematic character of such kind of errors. In this study, error covariance functions of airborne gravity gradiometer data are estimated by comparing model covariance functions with empirical covariance functions of the gravity gradiometer data. The model covariance functions were estimated from accurate surface gravity data and continuated upward to the height of the airborne measurements using the covariance propagation law. The estimated error covariance functions were modeled as finite ones and used as an additional information for the prediction of gravity anomalies from gravity gradiometer data. The assessment of the prediction results was made by comparing the gravity values predicted from the airborne gradient data and showed up to 25% improvement compared to not using correlated errors.     

地球重力模型及中国大陆重力场的计算

融多颗卫星数据、地面重力值和其它资料一起的地球重力模型EGM 96 ,为研究中国大陆的重力场及相关问题提供了一个高精度 36 0阶的球谐系数。在分析EGM 96的基础上 ,计算并简单解释了中国大陆的自由空气异常和布格重力异常。计算所得重力场的精度和分辨率大大高于常用的1∶140 0 0 0 0 0自由空气异常图及布格重力图     

Geodynamische Interpretation Ostkretas

The phenomenon of “Stockwerk“-tectonics characterizes Eastern Crete. Autochthonous bedded limestone (“Plattenkalk”) is overlain by the allochthonous units of the “Phyllitic-Series”, the Tripolitza- und Pindos-Series. The “Phyllitic-Series” were recognized as a mélange. The mélange is due to gravity-sliding tectonics under an overburden pressure. Geological evolution and geophysical data across the section Santorin-Crete were interpreted. Instead of a mobile crust hypothesis of moving plates with subduction zones a fixed crust hypothesis of vertical uplift and corresponding subsidence is suggested. The nappe transport by forces of gravity is a secondary effect.     

Mapping and spatial analysis of the soybean agricultural frontier in Mato Grosso, Brazil, using remote sensing data

The main pioneer frontier considered by geographers is the Amazonian pioneer frontier. The occupation of the Brazilian territory has been carried out through successive economic cycles. Currently, the expansion of soybean crops in Amazonia is considered as the last economic cycle involving new migrations to still unexplored areas. Mapping this frontier is necessary in order to better understand its drivers and think about efficient land use policies to struggle its progress. In this paper, we propose an innovative methodology for mapping the agricultural frontier in the Amazonian state of Mato Grosso (Brazil) using satellite data acquired during the 2000–2006 period. We assume that the frontier evolves through successive land-use stages such as wildlands, non-croplands, extensive croplands and intensive croplands areas. The transitions between two stages can then be monitored through land-use change analysis. A particular emphasis is given on three land-use transitions named “deforestation”, “economic” and “intensification sub-frontiers”. In order to adapt this model for the use of remote sensing data, we defined (1) a relevant spatial scale corresponding to an agrarian locality, (2) relevant indices to qualify the land-use types and (3) rules applied on land-use types to define the frontier’s location. Our results highlight the dynamic of the agricultural frontier towards northern areas. We identified four main agricultural regions with different levels of agricultural intensification. We finally discuss these results with respect to governmental policies and economics for a better understanding of the frontier’s dynamic.     

Geological nature of Rubtsovsk gravity maximum

Presence of a large asymmetrical body at considerable depths is definitely indicated by analysis of the gravity field, with its anomalies, peaks, and diagnostic “discorrelations.” A body of that sort may be interpreted as a buried extension of the montane structures of Rudnyy Altay.     

Gravity field,surface topography,and volcanic complexes of Kamchatka and its junction with the Aleutian arc

The paper deals with interpretation of global digital maps of gravity anomalies and surface topography for the northwestern Pacific and Kamchatka regions. A transformation procedure is suggested to reveal subtle features of surface topography against high elevation contrasts. Gravity data (free-air and Bouguer anomalies) have important implications for the evolution of the circum-Pacific region and the problems of volcanism and geodynamics in subduction zones. The patterns of gravity anomalies and transformed topography interpreted jointly with onshore and offshore geological data can make a basis for tectonic paleoreconstructions of upper crust and lithospheric mantle structures.