Climate Change and Earth’s Rotation: The Geophysical Impact of Polar Melt on Global Timekeeping
GS1GS3
New research confirms that melting polar ice caps are redistributing mass toward the equator, slowing Earth's rotation. This shift is delaying the need for a 'negative leap second,' highlighting the profound physical impact of climate change on planetary dynamics.
Recent geophysical research has established a direct link between anthropogenic climate change and a measurable deceleration in the Earth’s rotation. As global temperatures rise, the accelerated melting of polar ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica is causing a massive redistribution of water. This meltwater, previously concentrated at the poles, is flowing toward the equatorial regions, effectively altering the Earth's mass distribution.
From a physical perspective, this phenomenon is governed by the law of conservation of angular momentum. Similar to a figure skater who slows down their spin by extending their arms, the movement of mass away from the Earth's axis of rotation toward the equator increases the planet's moment of inertia, thereby slowing its rotational speed. While the change is measured in milliseconds, its implications for global infrastructure are significant.
Continue reading — free with login
JeetoBharat publishes daily UPSC current affairs mapped to the Mains syllabus. Log in to read full articles.
Log in to read full articleNo credit card required. Free registered users get unlimited access.
This article was curated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical facts from official sources.