8 ms·
The Earth is spinning faster than at any time in the past 50 years
- _Microft 6y agoThe article does not state the reason for the acceleration but one effect is supposed to be dams. Most dams are (on the northern hemisphere and) away from the equator which means mass (lots and lots of water) is accumulated closer to Earth’s rotational axis. Combined with conservation of angular momentum, this leads to a higher rotational frequency. It is like pulling your arms in while spinning. This is one effect on the Earth‘s rotation among many, of course.
- raxxorrax 6y agoIts inclination is changing too! If this continues, we are dead in just a few billion years.
- simonblack 6y agoThen again, if the Earth is spinning faster, a 'year' will take more 'days' to complete. Sooner or later, we would need an occasional extra Leap Day to correct the difference.