Gravity, geoid and the oceanic lithosphere

Abstract

Plate tectonics and its contribution to progress in studies of the Earth's gravitational field is discussed. In acquisition, the development of forced feedback accelerometers, satellite navigation, and satellite radar altimetry significantly improved the accuracy and coverage of gravity data over the oceans. In interpretation, gravity and geoid anomalies are used to determine information on the thermal and mechanical properties of the oceanic lithosphere and the forces that drive plate motions.