Global warming continues to slow the rotation of the earth

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The rotation of the earth has been slowing for some years. This effect has been related to the increase in sea level with the melting of the poles

The consequences of global warming have aroused multiple threats to the survival of our planet, one of these threats is the thawing of the poles that is not only leaving the animals that live in this ecosystem without habitat, but an imbalance has been generated in the rotation of the earth, according to different studies.

Leer en español: El calentamiento global sigue frenando la rotación de la tierra

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of NASA, showed in an investigation the influence of the increase and displacement of waters in the oceans in the rotation of the earth. "A mass that is at 45 ° about the North Pole -which is Greenland- or to the South Pole -like the glaciers of Patagonia-, when moving will have a greater impact in modifying the axis on which the earth rotates. a mass that is right next to the pole, "Eric Ivins, JLP researcher, said in a statement.

NASA scientists said in their calculations that the axis of rotation of the earth had moved 10 centimeters annually. Also, a study published in the journal Science Advances states that the increase of water in the oceans generates deceleration in the rotation of the earth. Mathieu Dumberry, the coauthor of the study and professor at the University of Alberta, explains that the rotation is delayed 1.7 milliseconds which can generate enormous consequences in the future.

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Factors that affect the rotation of the earth

The convection of the mantle has also changed the rotation of our planet since in the center of the planet there are layers of molten rock that suffer strong movements and tend to misalign the axis. On the other hand, there is a decrease in layers of ice and some rocks that have appeared in their place. To this is added the gravitational force exerted by the moon on the tides and the increase of the level of these.

What happens if the earth stops spinning?

The imbalance in the axis of the rotation of the earth and its speed difference does not reach to be perceived by the people, but if in the future this process continues increasing it could affect the days, since it will not take 24 hours a day. This will depend on how slow or fast the earth is turning; that is, there could be long periods of sun or darkness.

This incidence in the duration of day and night would affect the cycle of the plants and of some animals, would generate climatic changes to have greater sun exposure and affect the centrifugal force, the schedule that we have as reference would no longer be useful and there would be a change in the direction of winds and marine currents, among other things.

The studies and research published warn us about the future risks this phenomenon may have for the following generations, but this awareness can also help to continue implementing strategies to curb global warming and help restore the balance of the earth.

LatinAmerican Post | Stephanie Hurtado

Copy edited by Vanesa López Romero