How China’s Three Gorges Dam Alters Earth’s Rotation

The world’s largest hydroelectric dam is altering our planet’s rotation. China’s Three Gorges Dam holds a reservoir so massive it subtly slows the Earth’s spin.

This effect was calculated by a NASA scientist. It offers a stunning example of how human engineering can influence planetary mechanics.

The Science Behind the Earth’s Slowed Spin

The dam holds an estimated 39 billion cubic meters of water. This immense mass is concentrated in one location high above sea level.

According to NASA, this redistributes the planet’s mass. The principle is similar to a figure skater extending their arms to slow a spin.

Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center detailed this phenomenon. His research shows the dam lengthens a day by 0.06 microseconds.

This is an almost imperceptible change. Yet it is a measurable result of human activity.

How the Dam Compares to Natural Influences

The dam’s impact is tiny compared to natural forces. Major earthquakes can alter the planet’s rotation by a much larger margin.

Seasonal shifts in polar ice and ocean tides have a greater effect. The Moon’s gravitational pull slows Earth’s rotation far more over centuries.

This puts the dam’s influence into proper perspective. Human engineering, while impressive, is still dwarfed by nature’s power.

The finding remains significant for scientific accuracy. Precise measurements of Earth’s rotation are crucial for satellite navigation and space missions.

The Three Gorges Dam demonstrates humanity’s capacity to alter the planet on a grand scale. This finding confirms that even Earth’s rotation is subject to subtle change from major infrastructure projects.

Thought you’d like to know

How much does the Three Gorges Dam slow the Earth?

It increases the length of a day by 0.06 microseconds. This is a millionth of a second and is undetectable without scientific instruments.

Who discovered the dam affected Earth’s rotation?

Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao from NASA confirmed the effect. His research focused on how large masses of water influence planetary dynamics.

Is the slowdown effect permanent?

The effect is tied to the water level in the reservoir. It can fluctuate slightly based on seasonal rainfall and water usage.

Does this slowing down affect our daily lives?

No, the change is far too small to impact timekeeping or daily routines. Global time standards account for natural rotational fluctuations.

Are there other human structures that affect Earth’s rotation?

Other large reservoirs have similar, but much smaller, effects. The Three Gorges Dam remains the most significant example due to its sheer size.

Trusted Sources

NASA, Reuters