Asymmetry between the southern and northern hemispheres of the earth

Zong Jin Ma, Xiao Dong Song, Pin Ren Du, Rong Shan Fu, Fu Ping Sun, Yang Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Asymmetry between the southern and northern hemispheres of the Earth is further stated on the basis of new calculations, analyses and observations of space geodesy. The calculation of global thermal loss shows that the thermal loss of the southern hemisphere is more than that of the northern hemisphere by 33 %, while the thermal loss of the southern hemisphere mantle is the twice of that of the northern hemisphere. Comparing the S wave velocity distribution of the southern and northern hemispheres, we concluded that the upper mantle of the southern hemisphere is characterized by low velocity and high temperature, while the upper mantle of the northern hemisphere features high velocity and low temperature. The calculated "mass center" of the mantle's layers implies that the mass center of the Earth is to the northern hemisphere. The annual variations of the longitudinal and latitudinal circle lengths demonstrate that the southern hemisphere appears to be expanding, while the northern hemisphere looks like contracting. These two contract states can be confirmed by the data of space geodetic measurement. A trial explanation for the asymmetry of the Earth is delivered.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)26-33
Number of pages8
JournalActa Geophysica Sinica
Volume45
Issue number1
StatePublished - Jan 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Asymmetry
  • Figure of the earth
  • Heat flow
  • Seismotectonic systems
  • Space geodesy
  • Velocity of seismic wave

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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