Reorientation of the solid body of a planet relative to its rotation axis, distinct from relative motion between tectonic plates.
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True polar wander (TPW) refers to the phenomenon where the Earth's rotational axis shifts relative to its surface, resulting in a change in the position of the geographic poles. This movement occurs as the Earth's solid outer shell—including the crust and upper mantle—adjusts in response to changes in mass distribution within the Earth, such as continental drift, assimilation of tectonic plates, and the redistribution of water due to glacial melting or sea-level changes.