'Who is behind this?': Earth’s axis has tilted by a shocking 31.5 inches in just two decades
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Water Tilts
Pumping groundwater has tilted Earth’s axis by 31.5 inches in under two decades, as revealed by Geophysical Research Letters. This unexpected consequence underscores the massive influence of human water usage.
Axis Drift
Earth’s rotational pole is shifting due to groundwater pumping. Lead researcher Ki-Weon Seo highlights this as the largest climate-related factor affecting pole drift, likened to adding weight to a spinning top.
Sea Rise
Groundwater pumping has contributed to 0.24 inches of sea level rise. Extracted water eventually flows into oceans, significantly impacting climate change and accelerating coastal challenges.
Mass Redistribution
Moving groundwater alters Earth’s mass distribution, subtly changing its spin. NASA’s earlier research hinted at this phenomenon, but this study provides concrete measurements.
Gigaton Shift
The removal of 2,150 gigatons of groundwater between 1993 and 2010 explains the pole drift. Most of this water is used for irrigation and human consumption, later flowing into oceans.
Critical Midlatitudes
Water redistribution from midlatitudes, such as western North America and northwestern India, has the most significant effect on Earth’s tilt, emphasizing the role of regional water management.
Polar Insights
NASA’s Surendra Adhikari calls this study a breakthrough in quantifying groundwater’s impact on polar motion. The data marks a leap in understanding human-driven changes to Earth’s rotation.
Historic Trends
Researchers aim to study historical groundwater movement to uncover long-term trends. This data could deepen understanding of how human activity has altered Earth’s rotation over centuries.
Conservation Imperative
Understanding groundwater’s impact on Earth’s tilt could guide conservation strategies. Ki-Weon Seo hopes this knowledge will help mitigate sea level rise and other cascading effects of climate change.