IS THE CHANDLER PERIOD STABLE

The problem on the Chandler period is an unsolved one. Several authors suggested a hypothesis that the Chandler wobble is only one free peri od which slightly changes in time and is amplitude-dependent. In this paper, Ive shall examine the hypothesis more rigorous than that which has been carried yet. A new deconvolution method for Fourier transform is suggested. Using this method, the polar motion data since 1900 are analysed and the varying process of the Chandlerian period and amplit ude are given. The analytical results show that the Chandler period is not stable and is indeed amplitude-dependent. The probable explanatio n for this phenomenon is that it might be caused by non-equilibrium re sponse of the ocean.