What is the best description of the Earth's rotation over its entire history?
A)It has periodically reversed directions, as the magnetic polarity reversals show.
B)It has been constant over the entire history of the solar system.
C)It undergoes abrupt changes, as the magnetic variations show.
D)It has slowed down very gradually at about .0015 seconds per century.
E)It has sped up at about .013 seconds per century.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Scientific evidence suggests that the Earth's rotation has gradually slowed down over time at a rate of about .0015 seconds per century. This is likely due to factors such as tidal forces and the transfer of angular momentum to the Moon. Studies of ancient eclipses, coral growth patterns, and other methods have shown that the Earth's rotation has been gradually slowing down over billions of years, at a rate of about .0015 seconds per century.

What Is the Best Description of the Earth's Rotation Over