Earth's tidal oscillations introduce dissipation at an average rate of about 3.75 terawatts. About 98% of this dissipation is by marine tidal movement. Dissipation arises as basin-scale tidal flows drive smaller-scale flows which experience turbulent dissipation. This tidal drag creates torque on the moon that gradually transfers angular momentum to its orbit, and a gradual increase in Earth–moon separation. The equal and opposite torque on the Earth correspondingly decreases its rotational velocity. Thus, over geologic time, the moon recedes from the Earth, at about /year, lengthening the terrestrial day.
earth's tidal oscillations introduce dissipation at an average rate of about 375 terawatts about 98% of this dissipation is by marine tidal movement dissipation arises as basin-scale tidal flows drive smaller-scale flows which experience turbulent dissipation this tidal drag creates torque on the moon that gradually transfers angular momentum to its orbit and a gradual increase in earth–moon separation the equal and opposite torque on the earth correspondingly decreases its rotational velocity thus over geologic time the moon recedes from the earth at about /year lengthening the terrestrial day