Geologists predict the Earth could see about twice as many major earthquakes this year as in 2017. That’s because the world is turning a little slower than usual, prompting the equator to shrink slightly, they say.
A skinnier equator makes the edges of tectonic plates squeeze together, so earthquakes are likely to happen faster. You probably didn’t notice, but the Earth is taking things a little slow right now.
Since 2011, our planet has been rotating at a pace a few thousandths of a second slower than usual. Our planetary spin cycle changes constantly, affected by ocean currents and atmospheric changes, as well as the mantle and molten core underneath the Earth’s crust. But the current pattern …