Abstract.
A new method for computing gravitational potential and attraction induced by distant, global masses on a global scale has been developed. The method uses series expansions and the well known one-dimensional fast Fourier transform (1-D FFT) method. It has been proven to be significantly faster than quadrature while being equally accurate. Various quantities were studied to cover the two primary applications of the Stokes–Helmert scheme of modeling effects. These two applications (or paths), given the names R/r/D and R/D/r, are briefly discussed, although the primary objective of the paper is to provide computational information to either path, rather than choosing one path as preferable to the other. It is further shown that the impact of masses outside a 4-degree cap can impact the absolute computation of the geoid at more than 1 cm, and should therefore be included in all local geoid computations seeking that accuracy.
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Received: 13 December 2000 / Accepted: 3 September 2001
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Smith, D. Computing components of the gravity field induced by distant topographic masses and condensed masses over the entire Earth using the 1-D FFT approach. Journal of Geodesy 76, 150–168 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-001-0227-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-001-0227-4