Influence of Earth rotation on continental motions

• Published in: Gondwana research Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 242 - 251
• Main Author: Zemtsov, V.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2007
• Subjects: Angular rotation velocity; Continental drift; Continental rotation; Palaeomagnetism; Plate motions; Angular rotation velocity; Continental rotation; Palaeomagnetism; Continental drift; Plate motions
• ISSN: 1342-937X; 1878-0571
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2006.10.008

The paper addresses a question concerning the main driving forces of the rotational drift of continents. These forces are interpreted to produce 3rd hierarchical level tectono-dynamic structures in the Earth. The causative force is a torque friction force moment which arises spontaneously as a result of the Earth's rotation. Angular rotation velocity is the main characteristic of the rotational motion of a solid body, and in plate tectonics it is estimated with low accuracy from the assumption that every continent is a rigid slab carried by circulation of the asthenosphere. Astronomical observations and calculations of the instantaneous angular rotation velocities of the domains of modern Eurasia disprove this concept and permit a better understanding of the structural hierarchy of the Earth and interaction between the continental lithosphere and the lower mantle. This enables new models of rotation of a continent to be developed, to determine the force moment which makes it rotate. The force moment is shown to have a value depending primarily on the angular rotation velocity of the Earth's mantle and the dimensions and geographic position of the continent. Based on palaeomagnetic and geological data, similar patterns of rotational tectonics of the continental lithosphere may be recognized at earlier stages in the Earth's history.