In Short
- Moon had been gradually lengthening Earth’s days
- Heightened sunlight absorption during this period fostered greater activity
- The movement of Earth in space is influenced by various astronomical bodies
By India Today Science Desk: Earth once had days that were only 19 hours long, a stark contrast to the current 24-hour cycle, which is the result of the planets rotation on its own axis.
During a period known as the “boring billion,” two geophysicists discovered that Earth experienced a slowdown in its rotation due to reduced tectonic activity and a delicate balance of gravitational forces.
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In a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, researchers noted that this stalling coincided with a time of limited biological evolution, hence the name “boring billion.”
The Moon played a significant role during this era, exerting a stronger gravitational pull due to its closer proximity to Earth. Over time, the Moon gradually siphoned off Earth’s rotational energy, propelling itself into a higher orbit.
Scientists had previously suggested that the Moon had been gradually lengthening Earth’s days without our awareness. Utilizing cyclostratigraphy data, which records climate changes driven by astronomical forces, including Earth’s wobble and axial tilt, researchers delved into the past.
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Their models revealed a period of relative stability between 2 and 1 billion years ago, known as the snowball Earth phase.
During this era, oxygen levels rose, leading to the formation of an ozone layer before declining again—an event referred to as the Great Oxidation Event.
The ozone layer, with its ability to absorb more sunlight than water vapor, potentially sped up atmospheric tides. This acceleration, coupled with increased sunlight, balanced the strong gravitational pull of the nearby Moon and stabilized Earth’s rotation.
Researchers also speculate that heightened sunlight absorption during this period fostered greater activity for photosynthetic bacteria, providing favorable conditions for the evolution of life.
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The movement of Earth in space is influenced by various astronomical bodies, including not only the Moon but also other planets. These celestial bodies contribute to variations in Earth’s rotation.
Currently, days are gradually lengthening by 0.000015 seconds per year. Researchers compare the relationship between Earth’s spin and the Moon’s position to that of a figure skater spinning with their arms extended.
NOTE – This article was originally published in indiatoday and can be viewed here
Tags: #climate, #earth, #forces, #geophysicists, #moon, #planets, #sunlight
