| Term: | Polar wandering |
| Definition: |
The steady motion of the rotational axis relative to coordinates fixed in the earth. The pole moves at a rate of about 10 cm per year in the general direction of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Polar wander is believed to be due to the redistribution of matter within the earth. It is sometimes called "apparent polar wander" because it is difficult to separate from continental drift. AMSglossary
GCW |