Abstract
Analysis of 5½ years of Lageos satellite range data reveal significant residual nodal signatures: an acceleration and annual and semiannual periods. These signatures primarily reflect variations in the zonal gravitational harmonic J2 coefficient and hence the polar moment of inertia. The implied decrease of J̇2=−3×10−11 yr−1 is consistent with both historical observations of the nontidal acceleration of the Earth's rotation and models of viscous rebound of the solid Earth from the decrease in load due to the last deglaciation.
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Yoder, C., Williams, J., Dickey, J. et al. Secular variation of Earth's gravitational harmonic J2 coefficient from Lageos and nontidal acceleration of Earth rotation. Nature 303, 757–762 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1038/303757a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/303757a0
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