Tidal lock and landmass on a Earth-like planet

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential influence of landscape on an Earth-like planet that is experiencing tidal locking. It is suggested that the most stable state for this planet would be to have a continent on the side closest to its star and another on the exact opposite side. However, it is also noted that the presence of landmass may not have a significant impact due to hydrostatic equilibrium and the fact that the visible land mass on Earth is only a small portion of its total mass.
  • #1
Czcibor
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Would an Earth-like planet while getting a tidal lock, get it influenced by landscape of surface? So that the most stable state would be to have a continent on the center of the side close to its star and the other on the exactly opposite side? Or maybe because of hydrostatic equilibrium such landmass is mostly irrelevant as it means that the rock in continental plate is lighter and it mostly equals out?

By "Earth-like planet" I mean "planet with oceans, continents and active plate tectonics".
 
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  • #2
The visible land mass on Earth is only a tiny fraction of its total mass. There is no reason to assume plate tectonics would screech to a halt on a tidally locked planet.
 

1. What is tidal locking?

Tidal locking is a phenomenon in which an object's rotation and orbit are synchronized, causing one side of the object to always face the same direction towards the object it is orbiting. This is commonly seen in the Moon's relationship with Earth, where the same side of the Moon always faces Earth.

2. How does tidal locking occur?

Tidal locking occurs due to the gravitational pull between two objects. As one object orbits another, the gravitational force causes a bulge on the side of the object facing the other. Over time, this bulge aligns with the gravitational pull, causing the object's rotation and orbit to synchronize.

3. Can tidal locking occur on an Earth-like planet?

Yes, tidal locking can occur on an Earth-like planet if it has a large enough moon or if it is in close proximity to another large object. However, Earth's rotation is relatively fast compared to its orbit, so it is not tidally locked with the Moon.

4. How does tidal locking affect the climate on a tidally locked planet?

Tidal locking can have a significant impact on the climate of a planet. The side facing the object it is orbiting will experience extreme temperatures due to constant exposure to the object's heat and light. The opposite side will experience constant darkness and extreme cold. The area in between may have more moderate temperatures, but could also experience strong winds due to the temperature differences on either side.

5. How does landmass affect tidal locking?

The presence of landmass on a planet can affect tidal locking in a few ways. If the planet has a large landmass, it may experience less tidal locking due to the uneven distribution of mass. However, if the planet has a large ocean, it may experience stronger tidal forces, leading to faster tidal locking. Additionally, landmass can also affect the planet's climate and atmosphere, which can impact the likelihood of tidal locking occurring.

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