Purpose. Parameters of Earth’s gravitational field ( ) are determinated by its figure and internal filling (mass distribution) that have a different influence on their formation. Using a well-known representation of the planet masses distribution functions in the biorthogonal series form it is necessary to establish the Stokes constants presentation through the planet potential expansion coefficients and liner combinations of ellipsoid geometric parameters. Based on these formulas, it is the objective to investigate the possible influence of the inhomogeneity of the mass distribution function of the Earth’s interior and the representation of its shape with an ellipsoid of rotation onto the values of the Stokes constants and to explore the contribution of the radial distribution of the Earth’s mass density to these constants. Methodology. The presentation of the planet's interior density function as a sum of the Legendre polynomials of three variables and the approximation of its surface by an ellipsoid, as well as the representation of internal spherical functions in a rectangular coordinate system, makes it possible to integrate expressions for Stokes constant and obtain the relation between these values of different orders and the linear combination of the planet potential expansion coefficients and geometric parameters of ellipsoid . Numerical data obtained from the derived relationships and the constructed graphs make it possible to analyze the influence of the inhomogeneity of the mass’s interior distribution of an ellipsoidal planet onto the value of the Stokes constants and determine the intervals of maximum impact. Results. The general relations between the expansion coefficients of the distribution function and the integrals from spherical functions on an ellipsoidal surface that determine Stokes constants of a definite order are established. Herewith Stokes constants of n order are expressed in terms of values , of lower orders. The presented calculations give a procedure for the formation of Stokes constant values, which clearly implies the conclusion about the small effect of the planet’s ellipsoidal form on the magnitude and three-dimensionality of the Earth’s gravitational field as a result of the inhomogeneous of its interior masses distribution. Also known dependence of the values on the geometric compression of the biaxial Earth ellipsoid of constant density is confirmed. Scientific novelty. The formulas for the relation between Stokes constants of different orders and linear combinations of parameters are determined. The calculations and verification of the obtained relations for different sets of potential expansion coefficients allow us to conclude that the three-dimensional gravity field of the Earth predominantly contributes to the Stokes constants, except , and the constructed graphs determine its maximum contribution to the mass distribution in depth. Practical significance. The obtained dependences allow us to check the approximation degree of the constructed density model of ellipsoidal planet by comparing Stokes constants which are calculated using model and are obtained from the observations. In addition, it is possible to optimally reconcile the geometric characteristics of the planet’s ellipsoid with its gravitational field.
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