IgniteNation21

The world's largest dam and hydroelectric project, which stretches over 2,350 miles, might affect how the Earth spins on its axis. For the first time in history, a massive man-made structure has given scientists evidence of slowing down the Earth’s rotation. China is taking measures to mitigate any potential negative effects on Earth’s rotation. The study found that construction created uneven distribution of mass across the globe, resulting in a decrease in the planet’s rotational speed — but not by much. China is countering this effect by installing large rotating masses at strategic points along the dam to even out changes in gravity across different parts of China. The study’s results were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This is not a new concern for those worried about catastrophic consequences of climate change, but it is worrying nonetheless, that there are long-term effects to consider when assessing the effects of this monumental construction project on our planet and its rotation. If changes in gravity from large rotating masses at strategic points along the dam do eventually change our rotation, China will simply have to contend with Earth’s new orientation. The Earth will continue to spin.