Effect of climate change on day’s length

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Context:

• Scientists have discovered that melting polar ice caps, driven by climate change, are causing Earth’s rotation to slow down slightly.

Details:

• Climate change, predominantly caused by human activities, has a wide array of effects on our planet.
• Among these is an intriguing yet less-discussed consequence: the alteration of the Earth's rotation and, consequently, the length of a day.

The Physics Behind the Phenomenon

• The primary mechanism through which climate change affects the Earth's rotation is the melting of polar ice caps. When ice at the poles melts, the water flows towards the equator.
• This redistribution of mass causes the Earth to bulge slightly at the equator, slowing its rotation.
• As a result, the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation increases, leading to longer days.
• This can be understood through the conservation of angular momentum.
• As the mass moves away from the axis of rotation (towards the equator), the rotational velocity decreases, similar to how a figure skater slows down when extending their arms.

Empirical Evidence

• Research utilizing climate models and real-world data over a 200-year period (from 1900 to 2100) has quantified these changes.
• Over the last two decades, it has been observed that the rate of Earth's rotation has slowed by approximately 1.3 milliseconds per century.
• While this change might seem negligible, it accumulates over time and can have broader implications.

Broader Implications

• Timekeeping and Technology: Many modern technologies rely on extremely precise timekeeping.
  • • Even minor changes in the length of a day can affect systems dependent on exact synchronization, such as GPS satellites and global communication networks.
• Environmental Impact: The movement of water masses also contributes to rising sea levels, which have more immediate and devastating consequences for low-lying coastal areas.
  • • Flooding, erosion, and habitat destruction are some of the severe outcomes faced by these regions.
• Climate Feedback Loops: Changes in rotational velocity may also contribute to other climate feedback mechanisms, further exacerbating climate change.
  • • The redistribution of mass can influence atmospheric dynamics, ocean currents, and weather patterns.

Impact on Timekeeping	Even minor changes in Earth's rotation can affect global timekeeping systems, digital infrastructure, and GPS satellites, leading to significant navigation and spacecraft communication errors.
Effects of Melting Polar Ice	The melting of polar ice contributes to sea-level rise and redistributes mass from poles to the equator, increasing Earth's oblateness and impacting rotational dynamics.
Human Impact	Human activities are altering Earth's climate and fundamental physical properties, with significant responsibilities for the future.
Need for Climate Action	Urgent and sustained efforts are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement sustainable practices to mitigate far-reaching consequences, including changes in Earth's rotation.
Broader Implications	The melting of polar ice caps is a planetary issue that affects Earth's rotation and the length of days, emphasizing the critical need for global cooperation and climate action.

Conclusion

• The effect of climate change on the length of a day illustrates the interconnectedness of Earth's systems.
• While the lengthening of days might not have a direct impact on our daily lives, the broader implications for technology and the environment are significant.
• This phenomenon highlights the urgent need to address climate change comprehensively.

KNOW IN DETAIL ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/copernicus-climate-centre-service#:~:text=June%202024%20is%20considered%20as,cyclic%20states%20of%20El%20Nino.

GLOBAL WARMING- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/global-warming-in-indian-contex

MELTING OF ICE- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/antarcticas-sea-ice

Reference

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/95103/OPS/GSHD6QF3K.1.png?cropFromPage=true

https://www.policycircle.org/environment/climate-change-heat-long-days/#:~:text=Since%201900%2C%20climate%20change%20has,reach%202.2%20milliseconds%20by%202100.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Explain the fundamental reasons behind the slow rotation of the Earth due to climate change. Also, provide a shred of empirical evidence for the observed effects, and analyze the broader implications for environmental systems.