Excessive Groundwater Extraction Shifts Earth's Tilt by 31.5 Inches, Study Finds


 Excessive Groundwater Extraction Shifts Earth's Tilt by 31.5 Inches, Study Finds

A recent study has revealed that human activities, particularly the extraction of groundwater, have caused the Earth's axis to tilt by approximately 31.5 inches (nearly 80 centimeters). This surprising finding highlights the profound impact of human-induced changes on the planet's delicate balance.


Published in Geophysical Research Letters, the study shows that large-scale groundwater pumping not only contributes to rising sea levels but also alters Earth's rotation and tilt. The research estimates that between 1993 and 2010, humans extracted roughly 2,150 gigatons of groundwater for agriculture, industrial use, and consumption, significantly redistributing Earth's mass.


Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University and lead author of the study, explained, “Earth’s rotational pole actually changes a lot. Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.”



How Does Groundwater Affect Earth's Tilt?

Earth's tilt, also known as axial precession, is influenced by the distribution of mass across the planet. When groundwater is removed from aquifers, it eventually flows toward the oceans, redistributing the planet’s mass. This movement is similar to how a figure skater slows down their spin by extending their arms outward.


The redistribution of water also exacerbates sea-level rise, with this particular tilt accounting for an equivalent of 0.24 inches of sea-level increase, according to Popular Mechanics. Additionally, melting glaciers and polar ice sheets from Greenland and Antarctica contribute to this shift by transferring water toward the equator.


What Is Groundwater?

Groundwater is water stored beneath Earth's surface in soil pores and rock formations. It plays a crucial role in the hydrological cycle and serves as a vital freshwater source for drinking, irrigation, and industrial processes. Extracted through wells and springs, groundwater’s availability depends on recharge rates, geological conditions, and human activities.


The study underscores the interconnectedness of human actions and global environmental systems, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management to mitigate such far-reaching effects.

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