Researchers from the University of Vienna and ETH Zurich have confirmed a measurable change in Earth's rotation speed. Their findings indicate that the planet is spinning slower on its axis, leading to a consistent increase in the length of a day. This development is becoming a significant focal point for modern geophysical studies.

Currently, the length of a day is increasing by approximately 1.33 milliseconds per century. Scientists emphasize that such an acceleration in the rate of change has not been documented for the past 3.6 million years. This suggests that the processes influencing Earth's rotational dynamics are currently intensifying.

The primary driver of this shift is identified as the redistribution of mass across the Earth’s surface. As polar ice caps and mountain glaciers melt, the resulting sea-level rise shifts weight between land and oceanic basins. This physical redistribution of mass directly impacts the planet’s angular momentum and rotation.

To verify these trends, researchers studied the chemical composition of benthic foraminifera, which are microscopic marine organisms that archive historical sea-level data in their shells. Through mathematical modeling, the team reconstructed changes in sea levels and rotation speeds dating back 2.6 million years. While these minute adjustments are imperceptible to daily life, they pose critical challenges for high-precision systems, such as satellite navigation and astronomical observation, where sub-millisecond accuracy is essential.