In less than 20 years, human activities—especially the pumping of groundwater—have caused the Earth’s axis to shift by about 31.5 inches (or 80 centimeters), according to a new study. This movement may sound small, but it shows how our use of natural resources can actually change how the planet spins. The research, led by Ki-Weon Seo of Seoul National University and published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that between 1993 and 2010, a huge amount of groundwater—around 2,150 gigatons—was taken from underground reserves, mostly for farming and everyday human use. After being used, this water usually ends up in the oceans, and that shift in mass has slightly raised global sea levels (by about 0.24 inches) and changed the Earth’s balance.
This massive loss of underground water has moved the Earth’s rotational pole eastward at a pace of about 4.36 centimeters each year. Scientists have known for a while that large-scale movements of water, like melting glaciers, can affect Earth’s spin. But this study shows that pumping groundwater has a much bigger impact than previously thought—even more than melting ice in some cases.
Basically, the study shows how our actions—like pulling water out of the ground—can physically change our planet, not just environmentally, but even in how it moves through space.
Regional impact and what it means for the future
The study points out that large amounts of groundwater have been pumped out from places like western North America and northwestern India. These regions are especially important because their position on the globe makes them more likely to influence Earth’s tilt when water is removed from underground.
Right now, the slight shift in Earth’s axis isn’t big enough to change our seasons or daily weather. But scientists warn that if we keep using up groundwater at the current rate, there could be serious long-term effects on the planet’s climate.
Over thousands of years, even small shifts in the Earth’s axis can impact how climate systems work. That’s why managing our water resources wisely is becoming more important than ever.
The study sends a clear message to governments, environmental groups, and decision-makers around the world: we can’t ignore groundwater depletion anymore. It’s not just a local issue—it’s something that could affect the planet as a whole.
By cutting back on how much groundwater we use and protecting underground reserves, we may be able to slow down or even change the direction of Earth’s tilt over time. But it would require consistent efforts over many years.
What exactly is groundwater?
Groundwater is the water found underneath the Earth’s surface, filling the tiny gaps between soil, sand, and rocks. You can’t see it like a river or lake—it’s hidden underground, like a secret water storage.
This water comes from rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation. When it falls to the ground, some of it soaks in and slowly travels down to collect in underground spaces called aquifers.
Think of it as nature’s underground water bank—quiet, unseen, but incredibly important.
from World – Latest News, Breaking News, LIVE News, Top News Headlines, Viral Video, Cricket LIVE, Sports, Entertainment, Business, Health, Lifestyle and Utility News | India.Com https://ift.tt/GCUibX6
