Earth's Changing Rotation: Geological and Paleontological Evidence

[Vagn]

I've been told that we can use geological and paleontological records to show that the Earth rotated on its faster in the past.

For example it is said that the Earths year consisted of 370 shorter days in the Cretaceous.

Which records are these, and how do they tell us this?

 

[jim mcnamara]

620 Mya the day was 21.9±0.4 hours. This was inferred from rhythmites
(alternating layers in sandstone).

Williams, G. "Geological constraints on the Precambrian history of
Earth's rotation and the Moon's orbit". Reviews of Geophysics 38, 37
(2000).

For a longer non-scientific discussion try the article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_acceleration

See the references at the bottom. There are other causes to consider as well.
Google for rhythmites as well.

 

[Vagn]

Thanks, I'll have a read of them.