Open AccessThe singularity mystery associated with a radially continuous Maxwell viscoelastic structure
Author(s) -
Fang Ming,
Hager Bradford H.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
geophysical journal international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0956-540X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.1995.tb06894.x
Subject(s) - viscoelasticity , singularity , gravitational singularity , convexity , mathematical analysis , radius , classical mechanics , mechanics , physics , mathematics , computer science , thermodynamics , computer security , financial economics , economics
SUMMARY The singularity problem associated with a radially continuous Maxwell viscoelastic structure is investigated. A special tool called the isolation function is developed. Results calculated using the isolation function show that the discrete model assumption is no longer valid when the viscoelastic parameter becomes a continuous function of radius. Continuous variations in the upper mantle viscoelastic parameter are especially powerful in destroying the mode‐like structures. The contribution to the load Love numbers of the singularities is sensitive to the convexity of the viscoelastic parameter models. The difference between the vertical response and the horizontal response found in layered viscoelastic parameter models remains with continuous models.