Earth’s Tilt Altered by 31.5 Inches Due to Groundwater Pumping, Study Reveals

A recent study published in the journal *Geophysical Research Letters* has revealed a significant impact of groundwater pumping on the Earth’s tilt. The research, which analyzed data from 1993 to 2010, found that the extraction of up to 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has caused the Earth’s rotational pole to shift by approximately 31.5 inches. This change is attributed to the redistribution of massive amounts of water, primarily for irrigation and human use, which eventually relocates to the oceans.

The study, led by Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University, highlights that the movement of groundwater has a substantial effect on the Earth’s rotation. Seo explained that the redistribution of groundwater has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole among climate-related causes. This phenomenon can be likened to adding a small weight to a spinning top, causing it to spin differently as water is moved around the planet.

The research builds on earlier findings from NASA in 2016, which indicated that the distribution of water can alter the Earth’s rotation. The current study provides quantifiable data, showing that the pumping of groundwater is not only changing the Earth’s tilt but also contributing to sea-level rise. The estimated 31.5-inch tilt translates to about 0.24 inches of sea-level rise.

The study’s findings are significant for understanding and addressing climate change. Surendra Adhikari, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, emphasized the importance of quantifying the role of groundwater pumping on polar motion. The data suggests that water redistribution from midlatitudes, particularly from regions like western North America and northwestern India, has been crucial in the observed tilt changes.

This research could provide valuable insights for conservation efforts aimed at mitigating sea-level rise and other climate-related issues. By understanding the historical trends and impacts of groundwater movement, scientists and policymakers may develop more effective strategies to address these challenges.