A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters reveals that extensive groundwater pumping has caused a significant shift in the Earth's rotation, with potential implications for the planet's climate. Led by geophysicist Ki-Weon Seo from Seoul National University, the research indicates that between 1993 and 2010 alone, the Earth tilted approximately 80 centimeters eastward due to the redistribution of large masses of water resulting from groundwater extraction.
The study focused on the period from 1993 to 2010 and identified western North America and northwestern India as regions experiencing the most significant water redistribution. Although previous estimates suggest that humans pumped around 2,150 gigatons of groundwater during this period, confirming this figure is challenging. Seo highlights that the Earth's rotational pole undergoes substantial changes, and the study demonstrates that, among climate-related factors, groundwater redistribution has the most significant influence on these shifts. The connection between water and the Earth's rotation was only discovered in 2016, and until now, the specific impact of groundwater on rotational changes remained unexplored.
The researchers used modeling techniques to analyze observed shifts in the Earth's rotational pole and the movement of water. Initially, they considered only ice sheets and glaciers, but the model did not align with the observed polar drift. However, when they included 2,150 gigatons of groundwater redistribution in the model, it accurately matched the observed changes. Without groundwater inclusion, the model exhibited a discrepancy of 78.5 centimeters or 4.3 centimeters of drift per year. The study suggests that countries' efforts to mitigate groundwater depletion rates, particularly in vulnerable regions, could potentially alter the drift's magnitude, but only if such conservation practices are consistently implemented over several decades.
While the rotational pole typically shifts by several meters within a year, the changes caused by groundwater pumping do not pose a risk of shifting seasons. However, on geological timescales, polar drift can impact climate patterns, indicating the potential significance of this finding. Surendra Adhikari, a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who was not involved in the study but published a paper in 2016 on water redistribution's influence on rotational drift, commented on the research, stating that it makes a valuable contribution and offers essential documentation in this field.
In conclusion, the study highlights the significant impact of groundwater pumping on the Earth's rotational pole and its potential consequences for climate patterns. Understanding the connection between groundwater extraction and rotational changes can aid in developing strategies to manage water resources more sustainably and mitigate potential climate impacts.
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