Finite element concept to derive isostatic residual maps - Application to Gorda Plate and Sierra Nevada regions

A new space-domain operator based on the shape function concept of finite e lement analysis has been developed to derive the residual maps of the Gorda Plate of western United States. The technique does not require explicit as sumptions on isostatic models. Besides delineating the Gorda Plate boundary , the residual maps exhibit a close match both in their anomaly patterns an d magnitudes with previously computed residual maps based on the theory of isostasy.