Open AccessA new analytical solution estimating the flexural rigidity in the Central Andes
Author(s) -
Wienecke S.,
Braitenberg C.,
Götze H.J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
geophysical journal international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0956-540X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.2007.03396.x
Subject(s) - geology , flexural rigidity , rigidity (electromagnetism) , seismology , flexural strength , geodesy , physics , structural engineering , engineering , thermodynamics
SUMMARY We present a new 2‐D analytical solution of the fourth‐order differential equation, which describes the flexure of a thin elastic plate. The new analytical solution allows the differential equation for an elastic plate to be solved for any irregular shaped topography with a high spatial resolution. We apply the new method to the Central Andes. The flexural rigidity distribution calculated by this technique correlates well with tectonic units and the location of fault zones, for example, the Central Andean Gravity High correlates with the presence of a rigid, high‐density body.