Feasibility analysis of constructing a regional gravitational model using the method of spherical harmonics analysis

XinXing LI, JinKai FENG, HaoPeng FAN, XiaoGang LIU, Diao FAN, ShanShan LI

Prog Geophy ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1) : 11-24.

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Prog Geophy ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1) : 11-24. DOI: 10.6038/pg2025II0047

Feasibility analysis of constructing a regional gravitational model using the method of spherical harmonics analysis

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Abstract

Technical methods related to the regional gravity fields, include precise geoid determination, downward continuation of gravity anomalies, and construction of regional models, which are greatly faced with challenges, such as low accuracy or efficiency, computation approximations, instability, and lack of criterion. This study introduces the fast implementation technique of ultra-high degree spherical harmonics analysis into the construction of regional gravity field, combined with satellite gravity field models of low to medium frequency spectrum and GNSS/leveling data. By employing a 5400-degree spherical harmonics analysis (SHA), it is possible to achieve a regional gravity field reconstruction with a resolution of 2 arc-minutes and an error less than 1 mGal for gravity anomalies, less than 1 cm for (quasi) geoid, and less than 0.4 arc-seconds for vertical deflection. Meanwhile, SHA can also be used for stable downward continuation of airborne gravity anomalies, which is verified to be more simple, accurate, and stable. Therefore, SHA is worth promoting and applying in the modeling of regional gravity fields and related data processing problems.

Key words

Spherical harmonic analysis / Spherical harmonic synthesis / Downward continuation / Regional gravity field / Geoid / Normal ellipsoid

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XinXing LI , JinKai FENG , HaoPeng FAN , et al . Feasibility analysis of constructing a regional gravitational model using the method of spherical harmonics analysis[J]. Progress in Geophysics. 2025, 40(1): 11-24 https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2025II0047

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