Is the Earth Expanding and What Does It Mean for Continents?

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In summary, the Earth's structure is slowly deforming and moving due to plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. There are regions of different composition, temperature, and density that cause mass to move up and down, maintaining the Earth's overall mass. If the Earth were to expand, the conservation of angular momentum would require its rotation to slow down. Additionally, if the total mass increased, the Earth would not be able to maintain its orbit around the sun. The Earth's rotation is currently slowing down due to tidal friction caused by the moon's gravity. While the Earth is expanding at a rate of a few tons per day, the expansion is negligible compared to the universe's expansion.
  • #1
kingfugazi
Would it matter if Earth was expanding as opposed to Pangea and moving continents? Is there even a difference one way or the other as to what 'it' means?
 
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  • #2
How would Earth expand? Gravity is pulling the Earth inward.

At constant mass, density would decrease, which might be possible if the Earth received an increase in energy. But as far as we know, the Earth is not being heated sufficiently to cause it to expand.

The Earth's structure is some plastic, i.e. it slowly deforms and creeps, which is why were have parts of the Earth's crust moving (plate tectonics), earthquakes and volcanoes.

There are regions of different composition, temperature and density, and occassionally those very hot, light regions move to the surface and there are eruptions of mass. But given the conservation of mass, some mass move up (outward), and other mass move down (inward).
 
  • #3
I think the OP is referring to a crackpot who has a very well-produced video on Youtube.

Yes, there is a difference. The conservation of angular momentum would require that the Earth slow down in its rotation as the radius increased. When the radius doubles, the rotation would have to be 1/4 of what it was when it started. That's if the total mass stayed constant.

If the total mass increased as the Earth "expanded," then this would cause the orbital speed of the planet to decrease, thus not keeping the tangiential speed required to stay in orbit, thereby...well,...not staying in orbit around the sun.

If the "expanding Earth concoction" were true, most of the laws of mechanics and thermodynamics would be invalidated, and everything we have found so far would all of a sudden not work. I just checked: my car is still working. So is my computer.

All of this just because some guy can't understand how continental subduction works.
 
  • #4
I have read that the Earth's rotation was once 6 hours to a day, other sources say 12 hours. Either way, the Earth's rotation is slowing down. If it used to be 6 hours, that would be 1/4 of the time required by the hypothesis.
 
  • #5
The slowing of the Earth's rotation is due to tidal friction caused by the moon's gravity pulling on our oceans. As the Earth tries to rotate under the oceans (causing high and low tide) the ocean's friction against the Earth's crust slows down the Earth's rotation. This boosts the momentum of the Moon and causes the moon to go to a higher orbit.
 
  • #6
[sarcasm]
Yes, the Earth is expanding, but unfortunately the universe is expanding twice as fast (relatively) so nothing appears out of place, yet the continents still move
[/sarcasm]
 
  • #7
well, the Earth is expanding some...


by a few tons per day if I remember right (meteorite dust)


it needs to go on a diet
 

1. What is the evidence for expanding planets and moons?

One major piece of evidence for expanding planets and moons is the detection of geological activity on these celestial bodies. This includes volcanic eruptions, tectonic activity, and other signs of internal heating and movement. Additionally, the analysis of their surface features and composition can provide clues about their past growth and expansion.

2. How do planets and moons expand?

There are several proposed mechanisms for planetary and lunar expansion, but the most widely accepted theory is through internal heating. This heat causes the materials within these bodies to expand and can lead to the formation of new crust and surface features. Another proposed mechanism is the accretion of material from external sources, such as comets or asteroids.

3. Is Earth currently expanding?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that Earth is actively expanding. However, there is evidence of past expansion through the presence of ancient shorelines and other geological features that indicate changes in the Earth's surface over time. This is known as "continental drift" or plate tectonics.

4. Could expanding planets and moons cause catastrophic events?

It is possible that expanding planets and moons could lead to catastrophic events, such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. However, the rate of expansion is typically very slow and these events would likely occur over a long period of time. Additionally, the internal heat and expansion of these celestial bodies is a natural process that has been occurring for billions of years without causing major catastrophes.

5. How does the expansion of planets and moons impact life?

The impact of planetary and lunar expansion on life is not well understood. Some scientists theorize that expansion may have played a role in the evolution and development of life on Earth, as it could create new habitats and environments. However, if the expansion were to occur too rapidly, it could potentially lead to mass extinction events and disrupt ecosystems. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential impact on life.

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