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Tidal-friction theory of the earth-moon systemSerious errors contained in Jeffreys' (1952, 1959, 1970, 1976) discussion of tidal friction in the earth-moon system are identified and their consequences are discussed. A direct solution of the dynamical tidal equations for the couple from the earth acting upon the moon and the couple from the earth acting upon the sun, which were left unsolved by Jeffreys, is found to be incompatible with observations and the predictions of linear or quadratic friction theory, due to his failure to take into account the possible change of the moment of inertia of the earth with time in the derivation of the dynamical equations. Consideration of this factor leads to the conclusion that the earth must be contracting at a rate of 14.7 x 10 to the -11th/year, which can be accounted for only by the Ramsey theory, in which the terrestrial core is considered as a phase change rather than a change in chemical composition. Implications of this value for the rates of changes in day length and lunar distance are also indicated.
Document ID
19800037833
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Lyttleton, R. A.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.; Cambridge University Cambridge, United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1980
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
80A22003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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