On the pulsation-waVe hypothesis of the continental relief development

Abstract

The- paper discusses a conceptual part of the pulsation-wave model of the terrestrial relief formation. The hypothesis is based on reconstructions and calculations of the Earth's pulsations, as well as on direct observations of .deformation waves passing over the land~ surface. The latter are traced to a depth of 0 to 22 km in mountains and 0 to 6 km on low plateaus and plains. Wave periodicity is found to vary. Several kinds of deformation waves have been identified, which are suggested to be interpreted as «waves-flows». Rhythms of waves of different order vary within the range 0.02 to 90 million years. The hypothesis implies reciprocating movement of the waves. Interference and superposition of waves are of special importance for the continents relief formation.