Normal mode coupling observations with a rotation sensor

Abstract

We present observations of cross coupled spheroidal modes in the Earth's free oscillation spectrum recorded by the vertical component G-ring laser (Geodetical Station Wettzell) of the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake. In an attempt to determine which are the mechanisms responsible for spheroidal energy in a vertical axes rotational spectra, we first rule out instrumental effects as well as the effect of local heterogeneity. Secondly, we carry out simulations of an ideal rotational sensor taking into account the effects of the Earth's rotation, its hydrostatic ellipticity and structural heterogeneity, which results in a good fit to the data. Simulations considering each effect separately are performed in order to evaluate the sensitivity of rotational motions to various phenomena compared to traditional translation measurements.