If global warming proceeds during the next century as anticipated, the polar ice caps may melt, substantially raising sea levels around the world (and flooding coastal cities such as New York and New Orleans). What effect will this have on the duration of the day?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The melting of polar ice caps and the resulting redistribution of mass closer to the equator due to rising sea levels would increase the Earth's moment of inertia. According to the conservation of angular momentum, this would slow down the Earth's rotation, thereby slightly lengthening the day.

If Global Warming Proceeds During the Next Century as Anticipated