[Q] Pole shift

[paigetheoracle]

If the shape of the planet is a compressed orb because of the poles, would a pole shift (geological not magnetic) cause seismic activity to readjust the shape of the planet to its new situation?

[lemit]

Do you mean, could there be a level of seismic activity that would change the shape of the planet from an orb to, say, an oval?

 

If that's what you mean, I haven't heard of any model that would suggest that. Also, it seems logical that the gravitational forces that made the planet an orb to begin with would pretty quickly deal with the instability of a more porous surface and again restore the planet to its original shape.

 

Of course, this is outside my areas of interest, so there are probably lots of people out there waiting for the chance to tell me what an idiot I am. Who's first?

 

--lemit

[arkain101]

Scientists have long known about the movement of the poles, or more specifically the more easily accessed north pole. That is if you call the first explorer to find the north pole having their ship get stuck in the ice for four years easy. (a story I readhere)

 

I have not checked out what exactly causes the non spherical shape of the earth, but if my memory serves me right it has to do with the rotation of the planet and the unbalanced distribution of mass around its surface.

[paigetheoracle]

Do you mean, could there be a level of seismic activity that would change the shape of the planet from an orb to, say, an oval?

 

If that's what you mean, I haven't heard of any model that would suggest that. Also, it seems logical that the gravitational forces that made the planet an orb to begin with would pretty quickly deal with the instability of a more porous surface and again restore the planet to its original shape.

 

Of course, this is outside my areas of interest, so there are probably lots of people out there waiting for the chance to tell me what an idiot I am. Who's first?

 

--lemit

 

Well not me as it is outside the area of my knowledge.