A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters has found that the pumping of groundwater on Earth has a substantial impact on the tilt and rotation of the planet. The redistribution of groundwater has caused a change in the Earth’s tilt of roughly 31.5 inches, equivalent to 0.24 inches of sea-level rise.
Introduction
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters has found that the pumping of groundwater on Earth has a substantial impact on the tilt and rotation of the planet.
The Study
The study, led by Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University, used data from 1993 to 2010 to show that the redistribution of groundwater has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.
Impact of Groundwater Pumping
The study found that pumping as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has caused a change in the Earth’s tilt of roughly 31.5 inches. This is equivalent to 0.24 inches of sea-level rise. The pumping of groundwater is largely for irrigation and human use, with the water eventually relocating to the oceans.
Redistribution of Water
The study also found that redistributing water from the midlatitudes makes the biggest difference in terms of tilt changes. The intense water movement from western North America and northwestern India have played a key role in the tilt changes observed.
Implications for Climate Change
Understanding the impact of groundwater pumping on climate change is crucial for conservationists to develop strategies to mitigate sea-level rise and other consequences of climate change.
Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of human activities on the planet’s tilt and rotation. The redistribution of groundwater has significant consequences for climate-related causes, including sea-level rise. Further research is needed to fully understand these effects and to develop strategies to mitigate them.
References
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[1] Study published in Geophysical Research Letters
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[2] NASA research published in 2016
Additional Information
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The study was published in Geophysical Research Letters.
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The study used data from 1993 to 2010.
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The redistribution of groundwater has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.
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Pumping as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has caused a change in the Earth’s tilt of roughly 31.5 inches.
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Redistributing water from the midlatitudes makes the biggest difference in terms of tilt changes.
