Hi All. Recent studies of the variations in the rate of rotation of the Earth are important in relation to meteorological changes, glacier distribution in polar regions, geomagnetic activity and space navigation. The long-term changes are of special interest, for example in anticipating the effects of climate trends on the global economy, the possibility that slow tectonic movements and tides may play a role in triggering Earthquakes, and the coastal impacts of secular changes in sea levels.

The advent of satellite geodetic measurements such as Very Long Baseline radio Interferometry, Lunar Laser Ranging, the Global Positioning System, and Satellite Laser Ranging, has revolutionized the accuracy of the studies: crustal movements as small as 2 to 5 mm per year are detectable, and changes in the length of the day are monitored to within 0.0002 seconds. The various IERS results contribute in many ways to space research, astronomy and geophysics. For example, data on Earth's rotation are interpreted in terms of mantle elasticity, structure and properties of the core-mantle boundary, rheology of the core, underground waters, ocean circulation, atmospheric winds and mass distribution.

One fact that calls for new perspectives on plate tectonics is that earthquakes are correlated with solar activity. Solar activity, as indicated by sunspots, solar flares, radio noise, and solar-induced geomagnetic activity, plays a significant role. A maximum of earthquakes occurs at times of moderately high and fluctuating solar activity, particularly solar flares. Strong earthquakes take place when the Earth crosses the central meridian of the Sun, and this understanding has been used to successfully predict some quakes. Moreover, the Sun's retrograde motion is linked to earthquakes and other geophysical phenomena, including climate and volcanic activity. These facts alone indicate that the solar-FEM linkage and electrostatic forces are involved in earthquake occurrence.
However, there is much more, as for example in observations of California earthquakes. There is a 22-year solar cycle in San Andreas Fault earthquakes and an 11-year solar cycle in large earthquakes in southern California. Recent observations of earthquakes in the region disclosed that they have doubled between 1986 and 1989. Furthermore, from August 1988 to February 1989, they were 3.2 times more frequent than the historic rate. Quakes of magnitude 4.5 and greater went from one every four years to one every two months. This increased earthquake activity transpired as a peak in solar activity was taking place. Take Care…Don in creepy town

• Geomagnetic Storms