The earth dynamic system: the earth rotation vs mantle convection

Shuping Chen

doi:10.4236/ns.2010.212162

Abstract

The earth dynamic system is one of the key scientific questions on the earth science. The thermodynamic behavior and gravity force of the earth and the rheology nature of the mantle prove that mantle convection is the main power source leading the lithosphere to break and move. Yet the directivity of both the structures in the crust and plate movement reminds of the earth rotation. Here we demonstrate that the mantle convection and inertia force of the earth rotation affect each other, the former being the power source of lithosphere plate break and motion, and the latter determining the direction of the mantle convection and plate motion. The sense of plate motion depends on the mantle upwells, whose trends are controlled by the earth rotation. The geometric shapes of the plate boundaries can adjust the direction of plate movement.

Highlights

The earth dynamic process has long been a subject for debate
The theory of geomechanics thought the extraneous forces related to the change of the earth rotation speed to be the dynamics of the crust motion [1,2], which resolves the question about orientation of tectonic deformation, but faces with the problem on the force magnitude
When the earth rotation becomes fast, the lithosphere plates will move toward the equator, and the possible mid-oceanic ridge trend will be in the north and south half globes and parallel to the latitude lines

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The earth dynamic process has long been a subject for debate Tectonic deformation, such as folds and faults, is a ubiquitous appearance on the Earth’s surface. The theory of geomechanics thought the extraneous forces related to the change of the earth rotation speed to be the dynamics of the crust motion [1,2], which resolves the question about orientation of tectonic deformation, but faces with the problem on the force magnitude. The relationships among the mantle convection, the earth rotation, the plate motion and the crust rock deformation are worth of insight. This paper will discuss the relationship between the mantle convection and the earth rotation in controlling the plate motion and rock deformation, based on the two facts of the Earth, the earth’s heat and rotation.

LAYER STRUCTURE OF THE EARTH

MANTLE CONVECTION

FORCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE EARTH ROTATION

RELATIONSHIP

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION