Tsunami - Changing the Earth's rotational speed

Dave

Following on from the worlds worst Tsunami's with a death toll figure furiously approaching 80,000, US based scientists from the Geological Survey (USGS) have said "the quake that set off the wall of water had moved tectonic plates beneath the Indian Ocean by up to 30 meters (100 feet), causing the Earth to wobble on its axis and permanently shortening the day by a fraction of a second. " which is a quote from Reuters. Science.orf.at in a Google Translation also says "The heavy earthquake before the coast of Sumatra has substantial geological effects. Thus the tectonic plates under the Indian ocean did not only shift experts according to around approximately 30 meters. Also the earth rotation could accelerate itself around three microseconds per day". This could adversley affect the Earth, satellites and GPS over a long period of time.

Bodo · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 12:15 am Post subject:

NickG · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:51 am Post subject:

Anybody with enough money to afford Sat Nav systems can definitely spare a bit of money to donate to the Tsunami Earthquake Appeal - please give generously!

Nick...

gingernut777 · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 6:16 am Post subject:

They'll be blaming global warming next.

The US said there was weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The basis for war.

They also said an Asteroid was going to hit the earth,

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/asteroid_update_B_041227.html

I wouldn't believe all they say.
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Dave · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:08 pm Post subject:

Ever thought of being a politician ?

gingernut777 · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:05 pm Post subject:

mcwarre · Regular Visitor Joined: Mar 25, 2004 Posts: 157

DavidW · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 10:09 pm Post subject:

I'm sure that the GPS system will be adjusted if the giant tsunami has affected the earth's rotation.

I'm sure Dave was just mentioning the GPS aspect of this event in the news item. As you say, this is a major disaster that will affect so many people worldwide. It's all the more chilling for me as a few weeks ago my brother and his wife had their honeymoon in a beach bungalow in the Maldives - being the honeymooners, theirs was the furthest out to sea.

If they'd married at Christmas, we could be amongst the many families wondering if their loved ones were alive or dead.

I would endorse the recommendation to support the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal - or via a charity in your country if you're not in the UK.

My thoughts are with all those affected by this in any way.

David

Dave

mcwarre · Regular Visitor Joined: Mar 25, 2004 Posts: 157

Dave,

Thank you very much for your kind reply! Smile

chrisbpreston · Occasional Visitor Joined: Oct 13, 2004 Posts: 12

I've just read this and have to comment.

All points are fair here from both parties. The thing is if Dave had gone on to a Tsunami site taking about GPS then fair enough, there would be cause to complain but this is a GPS site bringing GPS issues to light.

He was only pointing out a knock-on effect from the geological effects of a natural disaster.

bogle · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 16, 2005 Posts: 1

Because of gravity variations, solar wind etc, the positions of GPS satellites cannot be predicted accurately for more than a few hours. So the orbits are continuously tracked and the satellites' broadcast messages are updated regularly. The change is just another variable. I do not see how it will have any effect on the accuracy of GPS.

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