Why doesn't the Earth's rotation cause air to crash with us?

In summary, at the equator, the Earth rotates at over 1000 mph and the air in the atmosphere moves with it due to friction and conservation of angular momentum. This is because the atmosphere has been rotating with the planet since its formation.
  • #1
Sakha
297
0
Hello.
We all know that at the equator the Earth's rotates at over 1000 mph.
My question is why don't we feel the air of the atmosphere "crashing" with us.
What holds the air so that it keeps moving with us?
 
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  • #2
Two ways to look at it:

1. Friction. If the wind were blowing at 1000 mph, there'd be a lot of drag slowing it down.
2. What would cause the air to start to move that fast?
 
  • #3
Gravity. Conservation of angular momentum. Etc..
The atmosphere has been rotating with the planet since it formed. There are variations, of course, which result in weather, but 'still air' is moving at the same speed as the planetary surface.
 

1. How does the rotation of the Earth affect weather patterns?

The rotation of the Earth creates the Coriolis effect, which influences the direction and speed of winds and ocean currents. This results in the formation of high and low pressure systems, which play a major role in determining global weather patterns.

2. What is the difference between the rotation and revolution of the Earth?

The rotation of the Earth refers to its spinning motion on its axis, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete. On the other hand, the revolution of the Earth refers to its movement around the sun, which takes approximately 365 days to complete. This movement is what causes the change of seasons.

3. Can the Earth's rotation change over time?

Yes, the Earth's rotation is constantly changing due to factors such as the gravitational pull of the moon and other planets, as well as the redistribution of mass within the Earth. These changes are very small and can only be measured by highly precise instruments.

4. How does the Earth's rotation affect the length of a day?

The length of a day is determined by the Earth's rotation on its axis. As the Earth's rotation slows down, the length of a day increases. This is due to the conservation of angular momentum, which causes the Earth to spin more slowly as it ages.

5. What are the implications of the Earth's rotation for navigation and timekeeping?

The Earth's rotation is crucial for navigation and timekeeping. The rotation of the Earth creates the concept of time zones, which are based on how many degrees of longitude a location is from the Prime Meridian. Navigation also relies on the Earth's rotation, as it allows us to determine our location based on the position of the sun or stars in the sky.

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