The length of the day, which has increased over the long term of Earth's history due to tidal effects, is also subject to change on a shorter scale of time. Exact measurements of time by atomic clocks and satellite laser ranging have revealed that the length of day (LOD) is subject to a number of different fluctuations. These tiny fluctuations have periods which range from a few weeks to a few years. They are attributed to interactions between the dynamic atmosphere and Earth itself. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service monitors the changes.