Impact of Climate Change on the Earth's Rotation
The melting of polar ice caps is causing the Earth to spin more slowly.
This change results in a gradual increase in the length of a day, although the effect is small
Physics Behind the Slowdown
Similar to an ice skater slowing down when extending their arms, the Earth’s rotation slows as ice melts and redistributes towards the equator.
As polar ice melts, the Earth's moment of inertia increases because the redistribution of mass towards the equator causes the Earth to bulge slightly, slowing its rotation.
Current and Future Effects
Over the last two decades, the Earth's rotation has slowed by approximately 1.3 milliseconds per century.
If high emission scenarios continue, this could increase to 2.6 milliseconds per century.
While the change is minute, it can affect precise timekeeping systems like atomic clocks, GPS, and space travel.
Climate change may become the dominant factor in slowing Earth's rotation, surpassing other factors like lunar tidal friction.
Melting ice also affects the Earth's axis of rotation, causing it to shift slightly, which could have broader implications for climate and environmental systems.
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