NASA confirms giant dam in China has shifted Earth’s axis and affected the length of days
Imagine something so massive it can gently push the entire planet off balance. That’s exactly what a colossal dam in China has done—shifting Earth’s rotation axis by nearly an inch and subtly lengthening our days. This might sound like science fiction, but it’s real, verified by NASA and experts studying the planet’s delicate movements.
Built over 18 years, the Three Gorges Dam reshaped the Yangtze River’s flow, creating a reservoir so vast it holds about 10 trillion gallons of water. This accumulation of water isn’t just a feat of engineering; it has a surprising effect on the Earth’s spin and stability.
How the three gorges dam impacts Earth’s rotation and axis
Between 1994 and 2012, the Three Gorges Dam transformed the Yangtze River into a massive reservoir containing roughly 39.3 billion cubic meters (about 10 trillion gallons) of water. Experts at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center report that this weight has physically shifted Earth’s rotation axis by nearly two centimeters—roughly three-quarters of an inch.
Though two centimeters may seem tiny, it’s significant when considering the planet’s size. Even more intriguing is that this added mass is concentrated above sea level, pressing on Earth’s crust and redistributing the planet’s mass. Scientists explain that changes in how the Earth’s mass is spread out influence the moment of inertia, the property that affects how quickly the planet spins.
Think of a figure skater spinning with arms extended—when the skater pulls their arms in, they spin faster; when they stretch out again, the spin slows. Earth, too, spins slightly slower when mass moves farther from its axis. The dam’s reservoir essentially “extends the planet’s arms,” causing a tiny slowdown of about 0.06 microseconds in each day. While imperceptible in daily life, it’s measurable with precision instruments.
Similar effects were noticed after natural disasters such as the massive 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which shifted Earth’s axis and shortened the day by a few microseconds due to tectonic movement. The case of the dam is a powerful example of how human activities can alter global geophysical balances.
Environmental and human ripple effects of China’s largest hydroelectric project
The Three Gorges Dam isn’t just notable for reshaping Earth’s axis; it’s also a human and environmental story on a grand scale. Aside from its staggering size, the dam includes state-of-the-art lock systems and a ship elevator capable of lifting vessels weighing up to 6,600 tons over a vertical height exceeding 330 feet. This facilitates improved inland navigation on the Yangtze, powering trade and commerce in the region.
This technological marvel brings significant benefits. It generates more than 80 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to supply multiple countries—while reducing dependence on coal and other fossil fuels in China. Additionally, the dam helps control flooding along the Yangtze River, protecting millions of residents downstream.
But not all impacts are positive. Constructing the reservoir displaced approximately 1.3 million people, forcing entire communities to relocate and dramatically altering about 370 miles of landscape. The flooded areas have transformed ecosystems that took centuries to evolve, raising questions about the cost of progress and the price of human intervention in nature.
Several studies, including a report published in 2010 by the journal Geophysical Research Letters, emphasize that large-scale projects such as this can produce subtle yet significant shifts in Earth’s balance. Experts call for a careful weighing of benefits against environmental and geophysical consequences when undertaking such feats.
Lessons from Earth’s subtle response to human engineering
The story of the Three Gorges Dam reveals something profound about our relationship with the planet: even when we act locally with the best intentions—powering cities, preventing floods, and boosting economies—we impact the Earth on a global scale. The planet’s rotation and axis, processes that seem immutable, are sensitive to shifts in mass distribution whether caused by natural events or large engineering projects.
I recall visiting a reservoir once and being struck by how much water silently lay there, stretching to the horizon. It made me think about the unseen forces at play—not just water’s visible power, but how its weight might affect the very ground beneath our feet. The Three Gorges Dam is not just a human achievement; it’s a reminder that our planet is a finely tuned system where changes ripple across continents and influence the very measure of our days.
So, what do you think? Should we be more cautious about creating mega-structures that change Earth’s physical balance? Have you ever experienced or witnessed large infrastructure projects that made you rethink how humans interact with nature? Share your thoughts below—your experiences might inspire others to view humanity’s footprint through a new lens. Don’t forget to share this story and start a conversation with friends who love science and the environment.
https://www.cmu.fr/en/nasa-confirms-giant-dam-in-china-has-shifted-earths-axis-and-affected-the-length-of-days-10140/
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