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Normal mode study of the earth's rigid body motionsIn this paper it is shown that the earth's rigid body (rb) motions can be represented by an analytical set of eigensolutions to the equation of motion for elastic-gravitational free oscillations. Thus each degree of freedom in the rb motion is associated with a rb normal mode. Cases of both nonrotating and rotating earth models are studied, and it is shown that the rb modes do incorporate neatly into the earth's system of normal modes of free oscillation. The excitation formula for the rb modes are also obtained, based on normal mode theory. Physical implications of the results are summarized and the fundamental differences between rb modes and seismic modes are emphasized. In particular, it is ascertained that the Chandler wobble, being one of the rb modes belonging to the rotating earth, can be studied using the established theory of normal modes.
Document ID
19840030331
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chao, B. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Geodynamics Branch, Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
November 10, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 88
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
84A13118
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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