The Earth is undergoing massive change and climate change is probably one of the biggest factors affecting the planet, much of it human-induced. “Earth’s rotation is now changing,” a study reports.
According to new research from ETH Zurich, environmental changes occur in the Earth’s rotation and axis. As polar ice melts and water flows toward the equator, it modifies the planet’s mass distribution and tilts its axis, affecting longer days.
Professor Benedict Soja, who led the examinations distributed in Nature Geoscience and PNAS, believes the effect is like a professional skater extending his arms during a turn. As the mass moves away from the Earth’s axis, it increases inertia and makes rotation slower.
While the Moon’s tidal friction has generally been the primary component extending Earth’s days, analysts noted that the greenhouse gas remains elusive, and environmental changes could alter the Moon’s effect. We humans have a greater impact on our planet than we realize,” Soja notes.
Melting ice sheets are shifting Earth’s axis. AI and physics models reveal how climate change affects Earth’s core, mantle, and surface interactions, influencing deep planetary dynamics. These shifts affect space navigation. Even small changes in Earth’s rotation can cause significant errors over vast distances, crucial for precise planetary landings.
This research highlights human impact on fundamental planetary processes, emphasizing our responsibility for Earth’s future.