'Columbia University Libraries/Information Services'
Doi
Abstract
The interpretation of linear transfer function (admittance) studies of the relationship between gravity anomalies and topography depends on what assumptions are made in limiting the acceptable set of solutions. However, whatever assumptions are made, the value of the flexural rigidity determined from admittance studies of Australia and the continental United States is less than about 10**28 dyne-cm (5 km plate thickness). This is much less than values determined from other studies of the loading of continental lithosphere which consistently give values in the range of 4 X 10**30 to 2 X 10**31 dyne-cm (elastic plate thickness of 35-60 km). It is argued that the latter values represent the long-term rigidity of the continental lithosphere and that the rigidity does not change greatly with age of loading
