Source of this article and featured image is Wired Science. Description and key fact are generated by Codevision AI system.
A recent article explores whether constructing a hydroelectric dam can extend the length of a day. The piece explains that the location of the dam, particularly its latitude, plays a role in altering Earth’s rotation. The dam’s water mass affects the planet’s moment of inertia, which in turn influences the angular velocity of Earth. The author, Rhett Allain, breaks down the physics behind this phenomenon, using equations and real-world examples like the Three Gorges Dam. This article is worth reading because it demonstrates how human activity can subtly impact planetary rotation. Readers will learn how the distribution of mass on Earth influences its rotational speed.
Key facts
- The latitude of a hydroelectric dam’s location affects its impact on Earth’s rotation.
- The dam’s water mass influences the planet’s moment of inertia, which in turn influences the angular velocity of Earth.
- The Three Gorges Dam is used as a real-world example to illustrate the concept.
- Calculations show that building a dam near the equator could extend the length of a day by microseconds.
- Human activity, such as constructing dams or changing mass distribution, can subtly affect Earth’s rotation.
