The melting of polar ice caps due to climate change is causing a redistribution of mass on Earth, leading to a slowing of the planet’s rotation and an increase in the length of days. NASA scientists have discovered that as ice melts in Greenland and Antarctica, the water flows towards the equator, shifting Earth’s centre of gravity.

This phenomenon is similar to a figure skater extending their arms during a spin, which causes them to slow down.

As mass moves away from the axis of rotation, the planet’s rotational speed decreases.

While the moon’s gravitational pull also contributes to the slowing of Earth’s rotation, researchers suggest that the impact of climate change could eventually surpass that of the moon. The alteration in Earth’s rotation is not just theoretical; scientists have already observed a measurable increase in the length of days over recent decades.

This change, though minute, is largely attributed to human activities and their impact on the planet’s climate.

In addition to affecting the length of days, the melting ice is also causing Earth’s axis of rotation to shift.

The axis’s meeting point on the surface moves about 30 feet (10 meters) per hundred years due to the melting ice caps and movements within Earth’s interior. These changes have implications for timekeeping, satellite operations, and navigation systems that rely on precise calculations of Earth’s rotation. Adjustments to atomic clocks and timekeeping standards may be necessary to account for the increasing length of days.

Furthermore, the slowing of Earth’s rotation appears to be influencing the dynamics of the planet’s inner core. The inner core, a solid sphere of iron-nickel, has been slowing down in relation to the surface since 2010. This slowing is thought to be the result of the churning liquid iron outer core and gravitational tugs from parts of the mantle.

The findings highlight the complex and interconnected effects of climate change on Earth’s physical systems. As polar ice continues to melt, on-going monitoring and research will be crucial in understanding and adapting to these emerging challenges. The studies underscore the need for immediate and sustained environmental action to mitigate the far-reaching consequences of climate change. - DevX