People pumping water has changed the Earth’s center of gravity

The Earth’s Drift: A Surprising Discovery

A groundbreaking study has revealed that the Earth has undergone a significant shift, moving almost an entire yard over the span of 17 years. The cause? Human activity, specifically the pumping of water to the planet’s surface.

In this study, researchers delved into the intricate workings of Earth’s rotational pole and the movement of water. They began by examining the impact of ice sheets and glaciers, and then explored various scenarios of water redistribution. The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters from Advancing Earth and Space Science, unveiled a fascinating connection between water distribution and the planet’s center of gravity.

The Surprising Impact of Groundwater

Lead researcher Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist from Seoul National University, emphasized the significant role of groundwater redistribution. “Earth’s rotational pole actually changes a lot,” Seo explained. “Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.”

Previous estimates suggest that humans have pumped a staggering 2,150 gigatons of groundwater between 1993 and 2010, equivalent to over 6 millimeters (0.24 inches) of sea level rise. While validating these estimates is challenging, the latest research by scientists confirmed their accuracy.

When the researchers incorporated the 2,150 gigatons estimate into their model, the observed polar drift aligned perfectly. However, without this inclusion, their model was off by a staggering 78.5 centimeters (31 inches), equivalent to an annual drift of 4.3 centimeters (1.7 inches).

Implications and Future Research

Seo expressed both relief and concern regarding the findings. “I’m very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift,” he said. “On the other hand, as a resident of Earth and a father, I’m concerned and surprised to see that pumping groundwater is another source of sea-level rise.”

Looking ahead, Seo highlighted the potential for studying the past using polar motion data dating back to the late 19th century. By analyzing this historical data, scientists can gain insights into continental water storage variations over the last 100 years.

Discover more about this fascinating discovery by clicking here.