The determination of the fluctuations in the rotation of the Earth

Abstract

In recent years new space techniques have been used to determine with higher precision the fluctuations in the rate of rotation of the Earth and in the motion of the pole of rotation with respect to the conventional terrestrial reference frame. The international MERIT-COTES programme of observation and analysis is now in progress and is providing a high-quality data set for use in the study of the nature and causes of the fluctuations and in the determination of the relationships between the reference systems of the different techniques. The results and operational experience gained will be reviewed to provide a basis for recommendations about the future international services for Earth-rotation and for the establishment and maintenance of a new terrestrial reference frame.