Three idealised rigid plates P, Q and R share boundaries
PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Mechanics & Dynamical Systems · Earth, Climate & Energy Physics · Seismology, tectonics and geodynamics
The Solid Earth, Ch Plates, creep and convection: the mantle in motion
Problem
Three idealised rigid plates P, Q and R share boundaries. The Euler vector of P relative to Q is a rotation of 0.80∘Myr−1 about a pole on the equator at 0.0∘E. The Euler vector of Q relative to R is a rotation of 0.60∘Myr−1 about a pole on the equator at 90.0∘E. Each Euler vector points out of the pole given, so each rotation is anticlockwise seen from above its own pole.
((a)) Find the rate and pole location of the Euler vector of P relative to R.
((b)) Find the speed and direction of P relative to R at a site on the equator at 126.9∘E. Take a=6371km.