Spectral Methods for the Estimation of the Effective Elastic Thickness of the Lithosphere

Book excerpt: Although several excellent works exist that describe the effective elastic thickness (Te) of the lithosphere-its theory, significance and relevance to Earth sciences in general-none cover the details of the methods for its estimation. This book brings together the disparate knowledge required to estimate Te in one handy volume: signal processing, harmonic analysis, civil engineering, and foundational mathematics and physics, in addition to the relevant geophysics and, to a lesser extent, geology. Its two principal focus areas are spectral estimation, covering various approaches to estimating the admittance and coherence between gravity and topography using Slepian multitapers and fan wavelets; and algebraic and finite difference solutions of the plate bending partial differential equation in a variety of geological settings. This book would be suitable for postgraduate students beginning their research, up to faculty professors interested in diversifying their skills.