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Abstract:
Earth’s rotation causes splitting of normal modes. Wave fronts and rays are, however, not
affected by Earth’s rotation, as we show theoretically and with observations made with USArray. We
derive that the Coriolis force causes a small transverse component for P waves and a small longitudinal
component for S waves. More importantly, Earth’s rotation leads to a slow rotation of the transverse
polarization of S waves; during the propagation of S waves the particle motion behaves just like a Foucault
pendulum. The polarization plane of shear waves counteracts Earth’s rotation and rotates clockwise in the
Northern Hemisphere. The rotation rate is independent of the wave frequency and is purely geometric,
like the Berry phase. Using the polarization of ScS and ScS2 waves, we show that the Foucault-like rotation
of the S wave polarization can be observed. This can affect the determination of source mechanisms and
the interpretation of observed SKS splitting.
