A comparison of three gravity inversion methods for crustal thickness modelling in Tibet plateau

Crustal thickness can be determined by gravimetric methods based on different assumptions, e.g. by isostatic hypotheses. Here we compare three gravimetric inversion methods to estimate the Moho depth. Two Moho models based on the Vening Meinesz–Moritz hypothesis and one by using Parker–Oldenburg’s algorithm, which are investigated in Tibet plateau. The results are compared with CRUST2.0, and it will be presented that the estimated Moho depths from the Vening Meinesz–Moritz model will be better than the Parker–Oldenburg’s algorithm.

► Three gravimetric methods for estimating the Moho depth are compared in this paper.
► The goal of this comparison is to show which model can be more suitable for the mountainous areas.
► The advantage and disadvantage of each method are shown.
► A new gravimetric-isostatic method for estimating the crustal thickness is defined.
► We focus on Tibet plateau because of the huge topographic masses.