Crimson Red Sports

I was watching coverage with the kiddos and a statement was made that the quake  threw the earth off its axis point by at least 8 centimeters.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Japans-Earthquake-Alters-Coast-Line-Changes-Earths-Axis-117857349.html

The boys asked what that means and I realized that I'm not sure and can't explain what I think it might mean (and I could be wrong) so I goggled it.  That didn't really help so I'm asking yall- What does it mean?   

Start learning Russian.

:lol:


#+


Seriously though, maybe ssmith can answer this one for you when he comes back.  He seems to be pretty knowledge about this topic.

Think of the Earth's axis as a long rod running through the North Pole to the South Pole.  It's literally the center of the earth, an earthquake moves parts of Earth around so the center moves, as well.  It also changes the earth's rotation around the sun, making the day longer or shorter (in terms of millionths of a second).  It's been happening as long as Earth has existed, but we know about it now because science has advanced enough to actually measure the changes.

Here's an article about the Chilean earthquake and it's pretty easy to understand.  

Link (http://inhabitat.com/chile-earthquake-may-have-shifted-earths-axis-shortened-days/)

(http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/ebrehom/rosetta/Rosetta-Stone-Russian.jpg)

There is one for learning Russian. 

Thanks...  that helped and was MUCH better/easier than sifting thru goggle.   #+

That's because I am a geologist.  But this is more of a physics question.  MDB's link explains it pretty well.  The most important thing to remember when you hear that is that it's just momentary and happens all the time for a variety of reasons including the moon.

I pulled up the link and let my oldest read it..
He said "Is that all?  The news made it sound like we were one earthquake away from spiraling outta control."

Thanks yall..

I think the real lesson there is about the media and their tendency to blow some things out of proportion.

 ;)

lol leave it to B

Well I had to come see this so I could learn also. RTR!

Just to clarify, the rotation of the Earth around the Sun has nothing to do with the length of the day. Length of the day is controlled by the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

I thought it meant we are spinning out of control. Someone call Al Gore.

Yep, that would be a year....  :D

There ya go - showing off how smart you are again.  :-)

Right, let's just keep 'em in the dark about how smart, shall we?  ;)

oohhhh.....  more secrets.

LOL....this place is feeling more like home by the minute!  :D

Just for you...  <3
One of my favs....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN1iYFxF0O8

You crack me up!