How the Earthquake
impacted Earth
The Dec. 26th Indonesian megathrust earthquake quickened Earth's rotation and transformed our planet's form.
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January ten, 2005: NASA scientists studying the Indonesian earthquake of Dec. 26, 2004,
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Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Dr. Richard Gross of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said all earthquakes have some effect on Earth's rotation. It is just that the results are, normally, barely visible.
This a single wasn't normal: The devastating megathrust earthquake registered nine within the new "moment" scale (modified Richter scale), making it the fourth largest 'quake in one hundred a long time.
Above: Geography with the Dec. 26th Indonesian earthquake. [More]
Chao and Gross routinely calculate earthquakes' results on Earth's form and rotation. They also study alterations in polar motion--that is,
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According to their most current calculations,
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Join for EXPRESS SCIENCE News delivery The quake also impacted Earth's shape. Chao and Gross calculated that Earth's oblateness (flattening within the leading and bulging on the equator) decreased by a small amount--about one particular aspect in ten billion. This continues the pattern of earthquakes creating Earth less oblate. Much less oblate implies much more round.
They also identified the earthquake decreased the duration from the day by 2.68 microseconds. (A microsecond is one millionth of the second.) Put simply, Earth spins somewhat more rapidly than it did before. This alter in spin is linked to the change in oblateness. It is like a spinning skater drawing arms nearer to your entire body leading to a faster spin.
None of these changes have but been measured--only calculated. But Chao and Gross hope to detect the modifications when Earth rotation data from ground based mostly and space-borne sensors are reviewed.