Recent research shows that Earth’s days were once about two hours longer than they are now. This change occurred because the Moon has been slowly drifting away from our planet. The increase in day length likely triggered several oxygenation events, initiating one of the most complex evolutionary phases in Earth’s history.
The study’s researchers highlight that changes in day length may impact solar energy distribution and temperature gradients, potentially affecting weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics.
At present, a day on Earth lasts 24 hours, and the Moon orbits at an average distance of 238,855 miles from our planet. However, these conditions have evolve over time.
As the moon gradually drifts away from Earth, it pulls on our planet, gradually diminishing Earth’s kinetic energy. This interaction results in a slowdown of Earth’s rotation, leading to longer days over time.
A research team, spearhead by geologist He Huang from Chengdu University of Technology in China, aim to refine our understanding of Earth’s rotational history.
Over time, the Earth’s rotation has been gradually slowing down, but the exact rate of this deceleration has yet to be determine.
Researchers examine eight datasets of marine rock layers, dating back approximately 700 to 200 million years. These rock formations, known as tidalites, provide valuable insights into historical tidal strengths over millions of years.
The team integrate data into models of tidal interactions between the Moon and Earth to calculate the Earth’s rotational speed over a period of 500 million years.
Researchers identify a ‘staircase’ pattern in planetary rotation, marked by rapid changes in two phases, separated by stable intervals.
Over this period, days were 2.2 hours longer than they are today, and the moon was approximately 12,000 miles farther from Earth on average.
Between 650 and 500 million years ago, the Cambrian Explosion marked a period of rapid emergence of diverse life forms on Earth. From about 340 to 280 million years ago, massive glaciers covered vast areas of the planet.
How the Moon’s Influence on Earth’s Rotation and Sunlight Exposure Fuel Oxygenation Events
The moon’s gravity has altered Earth’s rotation and daylight, possibly driving oxygenation events that fueled life evolution. The moon’s tidal forces may have increased sunlight, boosting oxygen and aiding complex life evolution.
Nevertheless, the researchers emphasize that these concepts must be handle with caution.
The study challenges the theory that rapid glacier formation, leading to mass extinction, significantly affects Earth’s rotation. Instead, the slowing of Earth’s spin is attribute to tidal forces.
More Blog : ENTERTAINMENT
