China's Giant Dam Interrupts Earth's Rotation and Changes Its Shape

China's giant dam is disrupting the Earth's rotation.

China's Giant Dam Interrupts Earth's Rotation and Changes Its Shape

Scientists have discovered that China's Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest, slightly affects the Earth's balance and rotation. Its capacity is estimated at 40 billion tons of water.

A report by the Sustainability Times website stated that this massive amount of water could lengthen the length of a day by 0.06 microseconds and slightly alter the shape of the Earth, making it more bulging at the equator and less flat at the poles.

A 2005 NASA report also indicated that the dam could affect Earth's rotation. Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center stated that simple actions, such as driving a car, can have a subtle effect on the planet.

He added that the Three Gorges Dam, with its massive reservoir, is a clear example of how human activities can unintentionally impact our planet's natural systems. This effect is similar to the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake in Indonesia, which measured approximately 9.3 magnitude and shortened the length of the day by approximately 2.68 microseconds.

According to the Sustainability Times website, these changes appear minor, but they reveal the sensitivity of the Earth's balance. The gradual accumulation of human activities can have a significant impact on Earth's rotation, climate, and stability.