October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
atmospheric angular momentum

How Climate Change Can Slightly Slow Earth’s Rotation

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Climate change can slightly lengthen Earth’s day. A 2026 climate-model study projects that warming-driven shifts in atmospheric winds and pressure will increase the atmosphere’s angular momentum, balanced by a small slowing of the solid Earth’s rotation. The result is a modeled contribution—not evidence that climate change is the only or dominant cause of changes in day length.

How can the atmosphere change the length of a day?

Earth’s atmosphere has angular momentum: it comes from both the motion of air around the planet and the distribution of atmospheric mass. The solid Earth and atmosphere exchange angular momentum. In the accounting used by the study, when atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) increases, the solid Earth’s rotation slows correspondingly, making the length of day (LOD) slightly longer.

LOD means the time Earth takes to rotate once relative to the Sun-based day convention. The modeled change is tiny: the reported sensitivities are fractions of a millisecond per degree Celsius, not minutes or hours.

What did the 2026 study project?

Satpathy and coauthors analyzed simulations under the high-emissions SSP3-7.0 scenario, comparing the period through 2100 with an 1850–2014 baseline. They used large ensembles—100 members of CESM2-LE, 40 of ACCESS-ESM-1.5, and 50 of MIROC6—to separate the ensemble-mean externally forced signal from substantial variation among individual simulations. The study derives AAM from atmospheric winds and surface pressure. Read the study in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

The authors estimate these ensemble-mean sensitivities for the AAM-driven LOD response:

Climate model ensemble Estimated LOD sensitivity
CESM2-LE 0.0901 milliseconds per °C
ACCESS-ESM-1.5 0.1113 milliseconds per °C
MIROC6 0.1119 milliseconds per °C

These are model-derived estimates published by Satpathy and coauthors in 2026 for the specified scenario and analysis; they are not direct measurements of a climate-caused change in Earth’s day.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Which atmospheric changes drive the modeled effect?

Winds contribute most

The larger part of the projected AAM increase comes from atmospheric motion. The study associates it with warming-related circulation changes: the Hadley cell expands poleward, subtropical jets strengthen, upper-tropospheric westerlies strengthen, and tropical easterlies weaken. Together, these shifts alter how much angular momentum the moving atmosphere carries.

Pressure-related mass changes also contribute

The atmospheric mass component also increases, but its contribution is smaller. The authors associate it with stronger subtropical high-pressure systems around 30° north and south. A companion explanation discusses changes in mountain and friction torques, which affect momentum exchange between the atmosphere and solid Earth. The paper treats torque diagnostics as approximate support rather than an exact accounting: climate models do not fully represent subgrid-scale momentum exchange.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

How large is the projected signal?

For 2050–2099, the study projects an AAM-driven LOD contribution equivalent to an additional 10–18% of the lunar tidal-friction trend across its three models. That comparison provides a scale for this particular modeled contribution; it does not mean tides dominate all rotation changes on every timescale, nor does it describe all causes of LOD variability. The author’s explanation of the result notes that the atmospheric contribution depends on the emissions scenario and could be larger under higher-emissions pathways.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What the projection does—and does not—show

  • It is a scenario-based projection. The result comes from simulations under SSP3-7.0, not an observational attribution of a measured day-length trend to global warming.
  • It isolates one contribution. The study estimates the atmospheric AAM effect separately from changes associated with ice-sheet melting, terrestrial water storage, and other barystatic processes.
  • It does not remove natural variability. Individual ensemble members vary substantially; the ensemble mean is used to estimate the externally forced trend.
  • It is not a complete rotation forecast. Core–mantle processes are expected to remain a dominant driver of future rotational variability, alongside other exchanges and mass redistribution.

Earth’s rotation responds to several processes operating on different timescales, including exchanges among the atmosphere, solid Earth, and core–mantle system, lunar tides, and redistribution of mass such as ice melt. The climate-driven atmospheric signal should be understood within that broader picture, not as a replacement for it. A review of lunar recession and length-of-day changes discusses this wider context.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Read next

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.