Gravity Disturbances, Marussi Tensor, Invariants and Other Functions of the Geopotential Represented by EGM 2008

Gravity disturbances, the Marussi tensor, invariants of the gravity field, their certain ratio and other functions of the geopotential (including newly defined “virtual deformations”) are computed based on the harmonic coefficients of the global gravitational field model EGM 2008. Regional examples of correlations of large-scale morphotectonic and landform patterns with some aspects of the geopotential as computed from the EGM 2008 are presented. It is suggested that morphotectonic and landform patterns with very conspicuous combinations of significantly high positive or negative values of Γ33 are under the strong influence of rapid and/or intensive geomorphic processes. These geophysical signatures supported by values of the strike angle θS and virtual dilatations or compressions of the ellipse of deformation reflect the regional dynamics of Earth surface evolution as characterised by a very effective integration of tectonic and climate-driven morphogenetic processes.