LoadDef: A Python-Based Toolkit to Model Elastic Deformation Caused by Surface Mass Loading on Spherically Symmetric Bodies.

ABSTRACT: Temporal variations of surface masses, such as the hydrosphere and atmosphere of the Earth, load the surfaces of planetary bodies causing temporal variations in deformation. Surface shear forces and gravitational fields also drive ongoing planetary deformation. Characterizing the spatiotemporal patterns of planetary deformation can constrain allowable models for the interior structure of a planetary body as well as for the distribution of surface and body forces. Pertinent applications include hydrology, glaciology, geodynamics, atmospheric science, and climatology. To address the diversity of emerging applications, we introduce a software suite called LoadDef that provides a collection of modular functions for modeling planetary deformation within a self-consistent, Python-based computati

SUBMITTER: Martens HR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6472329 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature