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Rotational inertia of continents: A proposed link between polar wandering and plate tectonics

January 1, 1972

A mechanism is proposed whereby displacement between continents and the earth's pole of rotation (polar wandering) gives rise to latitudinal transport of continental plates (continental drift) because of their relatively greater rotational inertia. When extended to short-term polar wobble, the hypothesis predicts an energy change nearly equivalent to the seismic energy rate.

Publication Year 1972
Title Rotational inertia of continents: A proposed link between polar wandering and plate tectonics
Authors M. F. Kane
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science
Index ID 70010170
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse