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Modeling the length of day and extrapolating the rotation of the Earth

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Abstract

The stochastic behavior of the length of day (LOD) process is analyzed and is modeled within statistical accuracy on a time-scale ranging from weeks to millennia by a three-component model comprising a global Brownian motion process, decadal fluctuations, and a 50-day Madden–Julian oscillation. While the model is intended to be phenomenological, some possible physical models underlying the three components are speculated upon. The model is applied to estimate long-range extrapolation errors. For example, it predicts a standard error of 1 h in the clock-time correction ΔT for extrapolation by 1,500 years from 500 to 2000 BC.

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  1. P.O.B 198, 7250, Klosters, Switzerland

    Peter J. Huber

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  1. Peter J. Huber
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Correspondence to Peter J. Huber.

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Huber, P.J. Modeling the length of day and extrapolating the rotation of the Earth. J Geodesy 80, 283–303 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-006-0067-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-006-0067-3

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