Tectonic Consequences of the Earth's RotationThis book reviews the cumulative evidence for a connection between the Earth's rotation and geotectonics. Satellite and plate-motion data in particular suggest that the rotation affects geotectonics. The author recasts the classical models of body tides and argues that the energy from the tides directs the otherwise random process of convection. Among other benefits, this model could prove an important step in deciphering the flow of the Earth's mantle. Introducing a more complete model of the tidal Earth than those orthodox until now, Bostrom points to the likelihood that a non-reversing term accounts for the remarkable contrast between the Earth and its sister planet Venus--including the existence of mobile plates and the preservation of liquid water. |
Contents
Introduction and Overview 3 592 | 3 |
Tectonic Record | 5 |
Earth Rotation and Global Tectonics | 13 |
Static Bulge Mobile Bulge | 39 |
PreStress Under Convection | 68 |
The Observation Problem | 181 |
| 221 | |
Common terms and phrases
altimetric Amer asthenosphere Atlantic axes axis bodily tide Bostrom Chandler wobble component computed continental drift cumulative Darwin deformation Dehant displacement Dziewonski Earth Earth's rotation East Pacific Rise effect elastic ellipsoid EOS Trans Equator equatorial estimates figure flow formulation friction geoid geological Geophys global Gondwana gravimetric gravity Helmholtz hotspots identified internal isostasy Jeffreys Kanamori Kelvin latitude lithosphere Love numbers lunar mantle convection mantle plumes marine dissipation marine tides Melchior Moon Munk and MacDonald observed orbital oscillatory Pacific Pacific plate paleomagnetic phase lag plate motion plate tectonics plumes polar wander potential pressure regions relative respect result retarding torque Ridge Runcorn Sabadini satellite seafloor seafloor spreading secular seismic seismologic semidiurnal shear solid tides solid-Earth spheroidal stationary strain stress subduction surface tidal action tidal bulge tidal dissipation tidal models tiltmeter tion upper mantle values variation velocity viscosity VLBI vorticity vorticity induction Zschau