Earth Tilted 31.5 Inches Due to Groundwater Pumping
November 24, 2024 — A new study has revealed a startling consequence of humanity’s demand for groundwater: the Earth’s rotation has been altered by 31.5 inches due to the pumping of water from underground reservoirs. This change, which has occurred over the past two decades, highlights the significant, previously underappreciated impact of groundwater redistribution on our planet’s tilt and rotation.
Researchers, led by Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University, have documented how groundwater pumping – primarily for irrigation and human use – has caused shifts in the Earth’s rotational axis, contributing to subtle changes in the planet’s spin. The study, published in the Geophysical Research Letters, offers a new understanding of the relationship between human activity and the Earth’s rotation.
Groundwater, which is being drawn from aquifers at an unprecedented rate, is eventually making its way into the oceans. This redistribution of water has a larger effect on the Earth’s tilt than previously thought, even surpassing other factors related to climate change. According to the study, as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater have been pumped, contributing to a change in the Earth’s tilt by 31.5 inches and a sea level rise of 0.24 inches.
“The Earth’s rotation pole is changing a lot,” said Seo, discussing the significance of these findings. “Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the greatest impact on the rotation bar’s operation.” This new research builds upon earlier NASA studies, which showed that water distribution could affect the Earth’s rotation, but Seo’s study now provides the hard data that underscores these concerns.
The study points out that the most significant effects come from water redistribution in mid-latitudes, particularly from areas like western North America and northwestern India, where large volumes of groundwater are extracted for agricultural and human consumption. These regions have experienced notable shifts in the Earth’s rotational pole, creating a seesaw effect that further complicates the effects of climate change.
The implications of these findings go beyond just the Earth’s tilt. Groundwater pumping also contributes to rising sea levels, as more water ends up in the oceans, exacerbating the threat posed by climate change. The data is crucial for understanding how human activities are influencing the planet’s systems and could help in the development of more sustainable water management practices.
Seo expressed both a sense of discovery and concern regarding the findings: “On the one hand, I’m happy to have found an explanation for the drift of the rotary rod. On the other hand, as an Earthling and a father, I am concerned and surprised to see that groundwater pumping is another source of sea level rise.”
The study serves as a critical reminder of the far-reaching consequences of human resource management and the interconnectedness of Earth’s natural systems. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, understanding these dynamics will be essential in crafting solutions to protect the planet for future generations.