Finite Euler rotations in plate reconstruction
On a spherical rigid-plate model, displacement relative to a specified reference plate is represented by a finite rotation about an Euler pole.
Key knowledge
On a spherical rigid-plate model, displacement relative to a specified reference plate is represented by a finite rotation about an Euler pole. In Cartesian coordinates r′=Rr with RᵀR=I and detR=1. Sequential displacements compose as R₂R₁ and generally do not commute. Relative rotations, total rotations and stage rotations must retain their plate, time and reference conventions.
Values and equations
r′=Rr; RᵀR=I; detR=1; R_total=R₂R₁
- r,r′
- Earth-centered positions in the two configurations m
- R,R₁,R₂
- proper orthogonal finite-rotation matrices 1
Conditions and scope
- A finite rotation gives positions across an interval; its angle divided by elapsed time is not automatically an instantaneous angular velocity.
- Rigid spherical motion approximates plate interiors. Deforming margins, changing plate boundaries and reference-frame uncertainty require additional models; a reconstruction is not uniquely established by its animation.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read the actual Euler-pole definition, right-handed-angle and composition/noncommutation explanation, and total/stage/reference-frame distinctions. Matrix conditions are the disclosed linear-algebra representation of the same proper rotation; no current software-version or automatic scientific-validation claim.
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Entry details
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- uni-earth-finite-plate-rotation
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- University core expansion