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Sustainability Times

“China Disrupts Earth’s Rotation”: NASA Confirms Massive Project Is Slowing the Planet With Unprecedented Global Consequences

In a groundbreaking revelation, NASA confirms that China's monumental Three Gorges Dam project is subtly altering Earth's rotation, raising global environmental concerns.

Rosemary PotterRosemary PotterApril 27, 2025 at 10:01 AM242
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Earth's Rotation in Peril: NASA Confirms China's Monumental Project Slows Our Planet with Unprecedented Global Consequences
Illustration of the potential impact of the Three Gorges Dam on Earth's rotation. Credit: Ideogram.
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IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🌍 The Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest hydroelectric dam globally, symbolizing China’s engineering prowess.
  • 🔍 NASA suggests that the dam’s massive water displacement might influence Earth’s rotation, affecting the planet’s natural balance.
  • 💧 The dam’s reservoir, when full, could lengthen the day by 0.06 microseconds and alter Earth’s shape.
  • ⚠️ The potential impact of human construction on nature emphasizes the need for understanding environmental consequences.

Humanity’s relentless pursuit of progress has led to remarkable advancements in infrastructure development. From towering skyscrapers to vast dams, our ability to alter the natural world is undeniable. However, with these grand constructions come unforeseen consequences that can extend beyond their immediate surroundings. According to NASA, human-made structures, alongside natural phenomena, can influence Earth’s rotation. This article delves into the profound implications of such changes, focusing on large-scale projects and their unexpected global repercussions.

Colossal Infrastructures and Their Unseen Impact

The world has witnessed an unprecedented rise in the construction of massive infrastructures that challenge the very laws of gravity and engineering. Iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Shanghai Tower, and The Clock Towers in Saudi Arabia exemplify this relentless quest for grandeur. Yet, beyond their breathtaking architecture, these edifices raise pertinent questions about their impact on our planet. Among these monumental constructions, the Three Gorges Dam in China stands out. As the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, located in the Hubei province, it symbolizes China’s ambition to harness its natural resources and assert its engineering prowess.

While its primary purpose is to generate electricity, the dam also serves as a testament to China’s efforts to manage its territorial challenges and internal dynamics. However, the implications of such a massive structure extend beyond its immediate utility. The sheer scale and mass of the dam have sparked discussions about its potential to influence Earth’s rotation, a topic explored in detail by researchers and scientists.

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The Three Gorges Dam: A Giant with Global Consequences

In the realm of renewable energy, China leads the charge as the world’s foremost producer of hydroelectric power. The Three Gorges Dam, despite its impressive scale, only meets 3% of the country’s energy needs. However, its significance transcends energy production. A NASA report from 2005 posits that the dam could potentially affect Earth’s rotation. Such changes occur when any event involves a significant mass shift, be it an earthquake or a reservoir filling up.

Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center elucidates that even seemingly negligible actions, like driving a car, can have a minute impact on our planet. The Three Gorges Dam, with its vast reservoir, exemplifies how human activities can unintentionally alter the Earth’s natural dynamics, prompting a reevaluation of our engineering endeavors and their far-reaching effects.

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The 0.06 Microsecond Effect

To comprehend the potential impact of the dam, consider an ice skater adjusting their rotation by repositioning their arms. Similarly, the 2004 earthquake shortened the day by 2.68 microseconds. If the Three Gorges Dam’s reservoir were filled to capacity, it would hold approximately 10.6 trillion gallons of water (40 cubic kilometers). This enormous water mass would increase the length of a day by 0.06 microseconds and slightly alter Earth’s shape, making it more rounded at the equator and flatter at the poles.

Such changes, though seemingly minuscule, underscore the intricate balance of our planet’s systems. The cumulative effect of numerous human activities could have significant implications for the Earth’s rotation, climate, and overall stability. As we continue to exploit natural resources on an unprecedented scale, understanding these nuances becomes increasingly critical.

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Looking Toward the Future

The influence of human constructions on our planet is a matter of growing concern. As we persist in building larger and heavier structures, it is crucial to comprehend the potential consequences. How will these changes impact our daily lives and environment in the long term? Infrastructures like the Three Gorges Dam serve as reminders of humanity’s immense influence on Earth. Ultimately, we must ask ourselves whether we are prepared to shoulder the responsibilities that accompany these technological advancements.

As we forge ahead with new developments, the question remains: how can we balance our quest for progress with the need to preserve the stability of our planet? This ongoing dialogue will shape the future of engineering and environmental stewardship.

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Rosemary Potter
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Rosemary Potter is a Chicago-based journalist for Sustainability Times, covering global sustainability challenges, environmental policy, science, business and climate resilience. A graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she blends investigative depth with a global perspective. Her reporting amplifies voices driving change across borders, industries, and ecosystems. Contact: [email protected]

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View 242 Comments
242 Comments
  1. Kanike on April 30, 2025 3:15 PM

    How
    If there is no extra matter created. It’s the same water evaporating and raining. In fact the river water flows into the sea and back thru rain

    Reply
  2. David on May 1, 2025 1:56 PM

    The earthquake increased it and the dam decreased it.. so not a problem..

    Reply
  3. ADEMA PROMISE on May 2, 2025 4:23 AM

    It’s a common principle of physics which postulates that “energy lost is energy gain”. For sure all the concrete and other chemicals add to form a structure are obtained from the earth. Even the road network linking cities ulter the original formation of the earth, the minerals mined are no exceptions, the burning of fossil fuels, manufacturing of batteries used at home, just to name a few poses potential danger in their own ways. So when ever the earth is tired it will always readjust itself and this might likely result in the movement of tectonic plates that is likely to cause earthquakes or faults and landslides. Potential flooding that have never been seen before. Energy lost is energy gain.

    Reply
  4. Alexis on May 2, 2025 6:47 AM

    Whatever effect massive dams have, they do not change the laws of gravity.

    Reply
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Illustration of a massive discovery of dinosaur bones in Alberta, Canada. Image generated by AI.
“8,000 Dinosaur Bones Found”: Canada’s Fossil Graveyard Reveals One of the Most Terrifying Prehistoric Mass Death Sites Ever Unearthed
Illustration of the Jiu Tian drone carrier capable of deploying 100 drones over 4,500 miles. Image generated by AI.
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Illustration of a massive copper, gold, and silver deposit discovered in the Andes Mountains. Image generated by AI.
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