We have already described an interesting scenario of the accelerated rotation of the Earth in the article “What happens if the Earth starts to rotate faster? ”. But let's imagine what happens if our planet changes its direction of rotation.
The Earth has rotated in one direction for billions of years since its formation, therefore its nature and conditions depend on this mechanism of rotation. So, the planet performs a full axial rotation in 24 hours at an average speed of 1670 km / h (at the equator). Its direction is called direct (from west to east) or counterclockwise, if observed over the North Pole. By the way, this direction is shared by all the planets in the solar system, except for Venus and Uranus.
Graphic image of the axis of rotation of the Earth
The impulse of rotation impulse forms ocean currents, which with the atmospheric currents form the climatic situation on Earth. Therefore, the main changes will affect the climate.
Of course, in order to suddenly unfold a planet, a collision with a large object is necessary, which would be a disaster. Therefore, the researchers created a computer model where the Earth initially rotated clockwise and tracked the changes. The results were amazing. If, in the scenario of accelerated rotation, people face disasters, then if we change direction, our world would become more green! The model showed how the desert shifted. In fact, North America, Amazon and South America will become arid. But lush green landscapes covered the territory from Central Africa to the Middle East. In addition, severe frosts broke into Western Europe, Russia would become much warmer, and oxygen-producing cyanobacteria appeared where they had never been before.
Earth's rotation speed at various points on the globe.
Interestingly, the reverse rotation had no effect on the characteristics of the topography, such as the size, shape and location of continents and oceans. Just ocean currents and winds began to interact in a different way with the land, creating a completely different climatic conditions around the world.
Overall, the deserts have shifted, but their global reach has decreased from 42 million square kilometers to 31 million square kilometers, and the planet has become greener with a rich variety of plants. In addition, plants stored more carbon than they do now.
The Earth's axis points north to the Polaris, and south to Sigma Octant
Changes in rotation would change the nature of global winds. That is, the western zones of the continents began to cool, and the winters in northwestern Europe became more severe. Scientists noted that it was most surprising to observe how the Sahara desert on the model is covered with blooming greenery. This made them think about what led this area to such a dry state. It turns out that, in general, the existence of the planet has not changed much, but the life of people has transformed. People depend on the climate, therefore, most likely, there would be serious changes in the development of mankind, including political and cultural aspects. Perhaps many empires would not have appeared in the political arena, and other cultures have taken their place.
