Submitted by Axial-Precession t3_1219zfb in space
HeebieMcJeeberson t1_jdx0byy wrote
Reply to comment by ventus1b in If earth was a smooth sphere, which direction would water flow when placed on the surface? by Axial-Precession
For one thing, perfect smoothness doesn't eliminate friction - there's also electrostatic attraction between molecules. Eventually the planet rotating under the water would coax it to move.
But moreover, the atmosphere would be screaming by overhead since it does rotate with the Earth. The atmosphere is chaotic, with zones of different pressures which press down on bodies of water unevenly, creating irregularities that the sideways wind can act on to create waves. This is how wind stirs up waves on calm, smooth lakes and such.
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