Anelastic tidal dissipation in multi-layer planets

Abstract

Earth-like planets have anelastic mantles, whereas giant planets may have anelastic cores. As for the fluid parts, the tidal dissipation of these regions, gravitationally perturbed by a companion, highly depends on its internal friction and thus its internal structure. Therefore, modeling this kind of interaction presents a high interest to constrain planetary interiors, whose properties are still quite uncertain. Here, we examine the anelastic tidal dissipation in deep planetary interiors, in presence of a fluid envelope, and taking into account its dependence on the rheology. Taking plausible values for the anelastic parameters, and discussing the frequency-dependence of the anelastic dissipation, we show how this mechanism may compete with the dissipation in fluid layers, when applied to Jupiter- and Saturn-like planets. We also discuss the case of the icy giants Uranus and Neptune. Finally, we show how the results may be implemented to describe the dynamical evolution of planetary systems. Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2014.