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Groundwater Extraction Causes Earth's Axis Tilt: Study

  • 19 Jun 2023

In a recent study it’s revealed that groundwater extraction, specifically the pumping of groundwater from the Earth and its redistribution for human consumption and activities, has caused the Earth's axis to tilt approximately 80 cm (31 inches) to the east.

  • Groundwater Extraction: Approximately 2,150 billion tonnes of groundwater have been pumped and drained into the oceans between 1993 and 2010.
  • Earth's Axis Tilting: The pumping and movement of groundwater by humans has caused the Earth's axis to tilt nearly 80 cm to the east.
  • Groundwater Depletion in India: Groundwater depletion in India, particularly in north India, has been a significant concern, with 95% of India's groundwater depletion attributed to this region. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are identified as areas with critical or low groundwater levels.
  • Global Sea-Level Rise: The study identified groundwater pumping as one of the significant contributors to global sea-level rise, with approximately 2,150 billion tonnes of groundwater being pumped into the oceans.
  • Earth's Rotational Pole: The Earth's rotational pole, which is the point along which the planet rotates, experiences movement known as polar motion. Groundwater extraction influences this motion.
  • Role of Groundwater: While previous studies have acknowledged that the movement of water affects the Earth's rotation, the role of groundwater had not been considered until this study.
  • Impact on Sea-Level Rise: The study highlights that pumping groundwater is an additional factor contributing to rising sea levels, raising concerns about its impact on coastal areas.
  • Location of Groundwater Depletion: The location of groundwater depletion affects the drift of the Earth's axis. Midlatitude areas, such as northwest India and western North America, experience significant groundwater redistribution, impacting the axis drift the most.
  • Global Sea-Level Rise Contribution: Groundwater pumping contributed to a global sea-level rise of approximately 6.24 mm between 1993 and 2010, according to surveys conducted during the study period.