Calculating the Earth's elastic and fluid response to loading

What is it about?

The Earth responds to loading as if it was both an elastic solid and a fluid. The paper explains how and why commonly used models capture the solid and fluid responses differently. The info graphic shows the difference in elastic response when the elastic surface deformation incurs buoyancy (as in some models) and when it does not (as in other models).

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The earth is a convecting fluid that also deforms elastically that is enclosed by a very thin non-fluid skin. This explains most of the Earth's geological features and it is the fluid properties that are least understood. How the Earth responds to loading tells us about the Earth's fluid properties. It is important to use correct, thoroughly understood models when interpreting responses to loading or incorrect fluid properties and poor understanding of how the Earth operates will result.

Perspectives