Mass distribution of Earth landforms determined by aspects of the geopotential as computed from the global gravity field model EGM 2008

A groundbreaking study reveals that large-scale landform patterns on Earth, including those at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Vredefort Dome, are strongly influenced by rapid and intensive geomorphic processes. These patterns are characterized by conspicuous combinations of significantly high positive or negative values of Γ33, a radial second derivative of the disturbing gravitational potential derived from the global gravity field model EGM 2008. The research demonstrates that these geophysical signatures, supported by strike angle θS and virtual deformations of the ellipse of deformation, reflect regional dynamics driven by both tectonic and climate-induced morphogenetic processes. By analyzing regions such as the Nepal Himalaya, the collision zone of East-Asian and West-Pacific lithospheric plates, and ancient impact craters like Vredefort, Chicxulub, and Popigai, the study provides a novel framework for understanding Earth's surface evolution through an effective integration of morphotectonic and climato-morphogenetic processes.

Kalvoda, J., Klokočník, J., Kostelecký, J., & Bezděk, A. (2013). Mass distribution of Earth landforms determined by aspects of the geopotential as computed from the global gravity field model EGM 2008. Auc Geographica, 48(2), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.14712/23361980.2015.1