Abstract
The evidence bearing upon the rheology of the " tectonically
significant layers" of the Earth (" tectonosphere ") in the intermediate
time range (4 hours to 15000 years) is analyzed. This evidence is
based upon observations of rock-behavior in the laboratory, of seismic
aftershock sequences, of Earth tides and of the decay of the Chandler wobble.
It is shown that of the rheological models (Maxwell-material, Kelvin-material,
and logarithmically creeping material) advocated in the literature, only that
based on logarithmic creep does not contradict any of the observational
evidence available to date. In addition, a strength limit may be present.
significant layers" of the Earth (" tectonosphere ") in the intermediate
time range (4 hours to 15000 years) is analyzed. This evidence is
based upon observations of rock-behavior in the laboratory, of seismic
aftershock sequences, of Earth tides and of the decay of the Chandler wobble.
It is shown that of the rheological models (Maxwell-material, Kelvin-material,
and logarithmically creeping material) advocated in the literature, only that
based on logarithmic creep does not contradict any of the observational
evidence available to date. In addition, a strength limit may be present.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-5141
Published by INGV, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - ISSN: 2037-416X