Melting of Polar Ice Slowing Earth's Rotation

In August 2024, a study revealed that melting polar ice caps are causing the Earth to spin slower, leading to minor changes in day length with potential impacts on technology.

Key Points

Earth’s Rotation Slowing: Melting polar ice is slowing Earth's rotation, similar to an ice-skater extending their arms.
Long-term Projections: The Earth’s rotation has slowed by approximately 1.3 milliseconds per century, with projections of 2.6 milliseconds per century if emissions continue.
Effects on Technology: Minor changes in rotation could impact precise timekeeping systems like GPS and atomic clocks.
Physics behind the Change: Angular momentum conservation explains the Earth's slowing rotation as ice redistributes towards the equator.
Other Contributing Factors: Lunar tidal friction, slowing Earth’s rotation by 2 milliseconds per century, compounds the effect of climate change.
Axis Shifts: Melting polar ice affects Earth's axis of rotation, causing a minor shift and highlighting climate change's influence.
Need for Emission Control: The study emphasizes the urgent need to address emissions to prevent further disruptions in Earth’s rotation and technological systems.