OPINION (Express) – Earth’s rotation is mysteriously slowing down and it could lead to an increase in major disasters such as earthquakes, researchers warn. Scientists have long known that the rotation of the Earth is slowing down – as we have seen sporadically throughout history – but experts now realize the consequences that come with this, including earthquakes. The speed of Earth’s rotation fluctuates extremely mildly – extending or decreasing the length of a day by a millisecond – but this tiny deceleration could have devastating repercussions.
Exactly why a decrease in rotation speed can lead to more major earthquakes is unclear, but experts believe it could be down to changes in the Earth’s core which ultimately has an effect on the surface. Another theory is that the Moon is moving further away from our planet, slowing it down ever so slightly as it does. Professor of geoscience Stephen Meyers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison said: “As the moon moves away, the Earth is like a spinning figure skater who slows down as they stretch their arms out.” READ MORE
I just saw an article dated 2010 that said by the year by 2013 the earth will stop rotating. Perhaps it speeds up and slows down?