Earth’s days are not always the same length due to small variations in the planet’s rotation speed, which scientists have been studying for decades. These changes, often just a few milliseconds, are influenced by factors such as atmospheric and oceanic fluctuations, earthquakes, and melting ice. However, a deeper cause lies within the Earth’s core. A new study suggests that the gravity of the inner core, which rotates differently from the rest of the planet, interacts with the mantle to cause slight accelerations and decelerations in Earth’s spin. Researchers used seismic data and models to show how these interactions have affected Earth’s rotation from 1964 to 2019. While other factors may also play a role, this discovery highlights a significant component of why our days vary in length.
QUESTION: How might understanding the Earth’s changing rotation speed impact future scientific research or technology development?
A Gravitational Battle Within the Earth Is Changing the Length of Days
