Free spheroidal vibrations of the earth at very long periods, Part I— Calculation of periods for several earth models

Abstract

Periods of free vibrations of the spheroidal type have been calculated numerically on an IBM 7090 for the fundamental and first two shear modes for periods greater than about two hundred seconds. Calculations were made for four different earth models. Phase and group velocities were also computed and are tabulated herein for the first two shear modes. The behavior of particle motions for different modes is discussed. In particular, particle motions for the two shear modes indicate that they behave in some period ranges like Stoneley waves tied to the core-mantle interface. Calculations have been made also for a model which presumes a solid inner core and will be discussed in Part II. The two computer programs which were made for these calculations are described briefly.