The Ross Sea geoid low (RSGL) is a very prominent feature in the global geoid pattern. Despite some previous studies on the origin of RSGL (Spasojevic et al., Nature Geoscience, 3, 435-438, 2010; Sutherland et al., Geology, 38, 155-158, 2010) and strong indications that there is an upwelling of hot materials in the upper mantle under West Antarctica, it remains unclear what it is caused by.

I will use numerical simulations to model the geoid anomalies induced by mantle convection, with specific focus on the Ross Sea area, directed by Dr. Bernhard Steinberger. Also, we will try to construct a present-day density structure that is suitable to explain geoid and dynamic topography caused by mantle convection in this area, and consistent with both geodynamic forward models and seismic tomography. By comparing modelled geoid anomalies with observations, we will evaluate the reliability of our results ad give an explanation for the origin of RSGL.