Global warming may lead to global slowing
Belgian scientists say global warming may be slowing down the Earth.
The team used computer models to predict the effect of adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere over a 70-year period.
Day length increased by 11 millionths of a second per decade because air circulates differently, slowing the spinning planet.
The team argue that pollution gases are trapping more sunlight which in turn changes the temperature and movement of the atmosphere, say reports.
As the winds pick up speed they must gain more energy and have to take that from the Earth itself.
This results in a slowing of the planet's spin so small it won't be noticed, but there are fears this slow-down could accelerate as the years go by.
The research is published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
