Regional correlation of the Eart Gravitional Model 08 with morphogenetic patterns of the Nepal Himalaya

Abstract

Results of the correlation of regional features of the Earth Gravitational Model 2008 (EGM 08) with morphogenetic and orographical patterns of the Nepal Himalaya are presented. Strong coincidences between large-scale morphogenetic styles of the Nepal Himalaya and the extension of regions with very high positive values of the radial second derivative of the disturbing gravitational potential Tzz and the most likely in combination with conspicuous areas of high negative values of Tzz in their close neighbourhood, have been identified. These variable values of Tzz display significant gravitational signatures of extensive differences and changes in mass density and/or rock massif and regolith distributions which occurred during very dynamic landform evolution of the Nepal Himalaya in the late Cenozoic.