The Static Deformation of an Earth with a Fluid Core: A Physical Approach

Abstract

There has been a considerable amount of confusion in the literature concerning the formulation of the problem of the static deformation of an Earth model with a fluid core. Dahlen has recently discussed this problem using an Eulerian description of motion in the core. This paper outlines a physical approach to the problem, using Lagrangian variables throughout, where deformation in the mantle is described in terms of particle displacements and deformation in the core is described in terms of bulk fluid properties (density, pressure and gravitational potential). This approach clarifies Longman's paradox and the nature of the boundary conditions at the core‐mantle boundary. Copyright © 1975, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved