Iberian Peninsula Slowly Rotating: Scientists Alarmed by Tectonic Upheaval
Science
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News18•24-01-2026, 23:18
Iberian Peninsula Slowly Rotating: Scientists Alarmed by Tectonic Upheaval
- •The Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) is slowly rotating clockwise due to tectonic plate collisions, a movement imperceptible to humans.
- •Research published in 'Gondwana Research' indicates the Eurasian and African plates' interaction is the primary cause of this geological change.
- •Satellite data (GNSS) and earthquake patterns reveal a 'weak clockwise rotational signal,' with movement less than one millimeter per year.
- •The Gibraltar Arc acts as a buffer, creating uneven pressure; the northern part of the peninsula is stable, while the southern part rotates due to African plate pressure.
- •While no immediate danger is foreseen, this study helps identify areas of accumulating subterranean stress, aiding future earthquake prediction.
Why It Matters: The Iberian Peninsula is slowly rotating due to tectonic forces, a long-term geological process with future implications.
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