From landslides to cracks in the earth’s surface, things that aren’t typically supposed to move, have and will – especially if its surroundings are altered even the tiniest bit. In this case, as some of you may have already heard, scientists say that the Earth’s moon is, for lack of a better term, ‘wobbly’, which could modify the way that people live and work around here our big blue marble – but let’s break this down.
Now, before you panic – this is actually natural and has occurred every 18.6-years as our neighbouring rock changes course ever so slightly.
During its subtle redirect, Earth’s gravitational pull readjusts and while this goes unnoticed by humans, it has quite the effect on the ebb and flow of the ocean.
According to NASA, in the very first half of this cycle, high tides are lower than normal and low tides are higher than normal. Then, in the second half of the cycle, tides are amplified. This means that high tides get higher, and low tides get lower.
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But why are we talking about this now?
Well, according to a new study that was published in the Nature Climate Change journal, scientists suggest that by the 2030s, the moon’s jiggle could see coastal cities in some trouble due to sea levels rising. That’s when places like Vancouver, Halifax, St. John’s and the rest of Canada’s coastal cities might start to sweat (if they aren’t already).
“Low-lying areas near sea level are increasingly at risk and suffering due to the increased flooding, and it will only get worse,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in an official statement. “The combination of the Moon’s gravitational pull, rising sea levels, and climate change will continue to exacerbate coastal flooding on our coastlines and across the world,” he continued.
Luckily the organization did say that they have begun working with various departments to compile more information about tipping points, sea-level rise scenarios, and flooding thresholds in hopes of helping those who will be most affected prevent as much damage as possible – so there’s no need to fret. NASA will more than likely come through!
If you’d like more information on the moon’s wobble – or to read the entire statement put out by NASA check out their website here and give it a scroll. You might just learn something! As always, be safe, be smart – turn off your lights if you’re not using them, recycle and be kind. There’s still hope for us, yet.