Polar wander, also known as true polar wander or paleopole wander, is a phenomenon in geology where the Earth's rotational axis moves relative to its crust. This movement can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the distribution of mass on Earth's surface due to processes like plate tectonics, mantle convection, and glacial loading. Researchers study polar wander to better understand the Earth's past tectonic and geodynamic history, as well as to track changes in the planet's orientation over time. By analyzing the locations of ancient magnetic poles recorded in rocks and studying the positions of continents and ocean basins through geological time, scientists can determine how the Earth's rotational axis has shifted and rotated throughout its history. This research helps to reconstruct past continental positions, understand the mechanisms driving plate tectonics, and predict future changes in the Earth's rotation and axial tilt.