Impact of Groundwater Extraction on Earth’s Axis

According to a recent study, excessive groundwater pumping has shifted Earth's rotational axis by 31.5 inches in the last two decades, while also contributing to rising sea levels.

Key Points

Impact of Groundwater Extraction on Earth’s Tilt: The study revealed that groundwater redistribution surpasses other climate factors in causing the drift of Earth’s rotational pole.
Groundwater and Its Importance: Groundwater, stored in underground aquifers, supports ecosystems, agriculture, and human needs, especially in rural areas where surface water is scarce.
Consequences of Overuse: Around 2,150 gigatons of groundwater pumped between 1993 and 2010 contributed 0.24 inches to global sea level rise and disrupted Earth’s stability.
Scientific Insights and NASA’s Earlier Findings: The redistribution of water impacts Earth’s motion, akin to adding weight to a spinning top, with earlier NASA research hinting at this relationship.
Call for Sustainable Water Management: Experts emphasize adopting sustainable water practices to mitigate groundwater depletion and its impact on climate and planetary dynamics.