Over the past 20 years, the Earth has tilted by 80 centimeters due to the intensive pumping of groundwater. This intervention of this magnitude led to the redistribution of 2,150 gigatons of water between 1993 and 2010. This has not only changed the axis of rotation of our planet, but also raised sea levels by 6.1 millimeters, according to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters.

A new study provides compelling evidence of the influence of anthropogenic factors on the change in the tilt and rotation of our planet. Ki-Weon Seo, lead author of the study and professor of geophysics at Seoul National University, said:

“The Earth’s spin is actually changing a lot. Our study shows that the redistribution of groundwater has the largest impact on the shift of the Earth’s spin pole among climate-related causes.” Scientists have expressed concern that such effects have long been underestimated.

The redistribution of water masses affects the Earth’s spin axis, which is similar to adding weight to a spinning top: even a small change in mass can significantly affect the trajectory of motion. In 2016, a NASA study found for the first time that the movement of water between land and oceans affects the planet’s rotation. However, only the new study has provided accurate quantitative data.

“I am very pleased that we were able to explain the previously unknown cause of the spin pole shift. "On the other hand, as a citizen of Earth and a father, I am concerned and surprised that groundwater withdrawal is another source of sea level rise," Seo said.

To test the hypothesis, the researchers used computer modeling to compare several scenarios for the redistribution of water mass on the planet. The only option that closely matched the observed poleward shift data was the model that took into account the redistribution of 2,150 gigatons of groundwater.

"They quantified the impact of groundwater withdrawal on the polar motion, and it turned out to be quite significant," said Surendra Adhikari, a scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Water movement plays a key role in changing the Earth's axis of rotation in some regions. The largest impact comes from the redistribution of water masses from mid-latitudes, such as western North America and northwestern India, where intensive use of groundwater for irrigation and domestic needs has led to significant changes in the planet's mass balance, as groundwater eventually flows into the oceans.

Although the effects of such movements have only recently been studied, analysis of historical data can reveal long-term trends and provide a better understanding of the impact of groundwater on global processes. This can help ecologists and environmentalists develop more effective strategies to slow further sea level rise and address other climate challenges. It is important that the necessary changes are implemented consistently and correctly in the future.

This can help ecologists and environmentalists develop more effective strategies to slow further sea level rise and address other climate challenges.