An Empirical Investigation of the Chandler Wobble and Two Proposed Excitation Processes

Abstract

The axis of instantaneous rotation of the Earth does not remain fixed relative to the body of the Earth, rather, its points of interception with the surface wander about within a region approximately the size of a tenniscourt. This wandering was predicted by Euler -in 1765 and confirmed by observation in 1891. The top graph of Figure I provides the x and y coordinates of the deviation of the North pole from its mean position for the period 1960-1969. (In units of 0".001 =.101ft.) The motion of the pole produces a variation in the latitude which may be used to deduce the time path of the pole. We mention briefly bow this is done.