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Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology / Re: Why is there a difference between the rotation rate of the Earth's core and man
« on: 02/08/2012 01:33:08 »The moon's braking (tidal) effects would have a greater effect on the outer layers of Earth, slowing their rotation more than the core.
So would it be safe for me to assume that the earth (before the moon was present), rotated at a much faster speed, which began slowing down once the moon was introduced? Probably very quickly at first? So once upon a time, the crust and the core were rotating at the same speed perhaps? If that is the case, as Clifford points out, there may not have been any magnetic field to protect the earth from solar wind and such. I wonder what kind of life would have evolved due to no magnetic field shield.
I also wonder what speed the earth was rotating prior to the moon joining the team? Could it be possible that the earth was spinning too fast to hold an atmosphere, if not for the moon putting the brakes on? Wow! I ask a lot of questions...
I've always taken the moon for granted and only appreciated it for it's beauty. Only recently, have I began thinking about the importance of the moon and it's quite an awakening. It's also very fascinating.