A recent study has revealed that human activities, particularly the extraction of groundwater, have caused a noticeable shift in Earth's axis. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, indicates that Earth's axis has tilted by 31.5 inches (roughly 80 centimetres) due to the extensive pumping of groundwater. This shift, researchers say, is not only altering the planet's rotation but is also contributing to rising sea levels.
Impact of Groundwater Extraction on Earth’s Tilt
According to the study, the shift in Earth’s tilt is equivalent to a rise of about 0.24 inches in sea levels. Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist from Seoul National University and the study's lead author, explained that among climate-related factors, the redistribution of groundwater has had the largest impact on the drift of Earth’s rotational pole.
"Earth's rotational pole actually changes a lot. Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole," said Seo in a statement.
What Causes the Tilt Change?
Earth’s tilt, or axial precession, is influenced by how mass is distributed around the planet. In this case, the movement of water plays a crucial role. Factors like the melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets from regions such as Greenland and Antarctica contribute to this shift. As the ice melts, water moves towards the equator, disturbing the balance of the planet and causing its axis to shift. This process is similar to a figure skater slowing down their spin when they extend their arms outward.
The study, which considered data from 1993 to 2010, found that as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater had been pumped during this period. This activity has caused the Earth's tilt to change by approximately 31.5 inches.
Groundwater is the water stored beneath Earth's surface, found in soil pores and rock fractures. It forms a vital part of the hydrological cycle. Groundwater is replenished through precipitation and helps maintain aquifers, which are critical freshwater sources.
Groundwater is typically extracted through wells and springs, and its availability depends on recharge rates, geological conditions, and human activities. As groundwater is increasingly pumped for various uses, its impact on the environment becomes more evident.
While the shift in Earth’s tilt might seem small on a human scale, its long-term effects can be significant. Over geological timescales, such changes can have serious environmental consequences. For instance, the redistribution of water affects sea level changes differently in various regions. This shift also impacts Earth’s internal systems, including its magnetic field, which serves to protect us from harmful solar radiation.
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