A groundbreaking study has revealed that excessive groundwater extraction by humans has tilted Earth’s axis by approximately 31.5 inches (80 centimeters). Published in Geophysical Research Letters, the research highlights how pumping groundwater for irrigation and human use between 1993 and 2010 has significantly affected the planet’s rotation and contributed to sea-level rise.
Groundwater and Earth’s Tilt
The tilt, known as axial precession, is influenced by the redistribution of mass across the planet. Lead author Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University, stated, “Among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.”
This redistribution, akin to how a figure skater’s spin slows when their arms extend, also accelerates sea-level rise by about 0.24 inches globally.
The Role of Melting Ice and Water Movement
The study emphasizes that melting glaciers and polar ice sheets in regions like Greenland and Antarctica also play a role in shifting Earth’s axis. As the water flows towards the equator, it alters the planet’s balance, further contributing to the tilt.
Why This Matters
Though the tilt may seem negligible, its long-term consequences are profound. The redistribution of groundwater can lead to uneven sea-level changes, disrupt regional climates, and potentially affect Earth’s magnetic field, which shields the planet from harmful solar radiation.
These changes could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, impacting agriculture, freshwater supplies, and even global ecosystems over time.
Understanding Groundwater Extraction
Groundwater, stored in underground aquifers, is essential for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial needs. However, unsustainable extraction rates are depleting these critical reserves. The study estimates that 2,150 gigatons of groundwater were pumped during the study period, drastically altering Earth’s mass distribution.
As researchers call for better water management, this study underscores the need for urgent action to mitigate human-induced climate impacts.
