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June 19, 2023
The Earth’s axis, the point along which the planet rotates, has experienced a significant tilt of nearly 80 cm to the east. This tilt has been attributed to the pumping and movement of groundwater, as revealed by a recent study. Additionally, the study highlights the substantial volume of groundwater pumped and drained into the oceans, contributing to global sea-level rise.
Understanding the Earth’s Axis Tilt
- The Earth’s axis exhibits a wobbling motion influenced by various factors such as weather, seasonal changes, the molten core, and powerful hurricanes.
- Previous studies had already established that the movement of water plays a role in the wobble.
- However, it was not until the study conducted by scientists at the Seoul National University that the significance of groundwater in this phenomenon was recognized.
Linking Groundwater Pumping and Axis Tilt
- Using a climate model, the researchers associated the shift in the Earth’s axis with the movement of water, including melting ice caps and glaciers.
- The model initially failed to match the observed drift of the axis until groundwater was incorporated into the equation.
- This discovery unveils groundwater pumping as a previously unconsidered factor in the Earth’s axis tilt.
Impact on Sea-Level Rise
- Notably, the study revealed that approximately 2,150 billion tonnes of groundwater were pumped and drained into the oceans between 1993 and 2010.
- This substantial volume contributed significantly to global sea-level rise, amounting to 6.24 mm during the specified period.
- Groundwater pumping emerged as an unexpected source of sea-level rise, raising concerns among scientists and experts.
Concerns and Regional Implications
- The location of groundwater depletion plays a crucial role in the extent of axis drift.
- The study found that mid-latitude areas, particularly northwest India and western North America, experienced significant groundwater redistribution and depletion.
- In India, groundwater depletion is a particular concern in North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, as well as parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- The indiscriminate use of groundwater for irrigation purposes in these regions has resulted in critical groundwater levels and poses a threat to sustainable water resources.