Scientists have discovered that the Earth has tilted 80 centimeters over the past two decades: what does this mean

Scientists have discovered that over the past two decades, the intensive use of groundwater, which serves as a source of drinking water, has led to an inclination of the Earth’s rotation to the east by almost 80 centimeters. This is reported by IFLScience, writes UNN

Details

Geophysicists have established that the pole of rotation is undergoing significant changes due to global processes, including climate change and large-scale use of groundwater. As Ki-Won So from Seoul National University explains, groundwater pumping causes the axis of rotation to shift, affecting the entire planet.

Groundwater accumulates below the surface as a result of precipitation, seeping into natural reservoirs. These aquifers play an important role in providing water during periods of drought. They are a key component of the water cycle that sustains life on Earth.

Today, about half of the world’s population uses groundwater as a source of drinking water, and a third – for irrigation. In the past, people dug wells and boreholes to obtain water, but since the 20th century, groundwater extraction has increased significantly. Between 1993 and 2010, more than 2,150 gigatons of water were withdrawn from underground reservoirs.

For reference

The pole of Earth’s rotation is a point that constantly changes its position, a phenomenon known as polar motion. This process occurs due to a change in the distribution of mass on the planet. Scientists compare it to a jingle, the rotation of which changes if its weight is redistributed. In the case of Earth, such a factor is water, which affects the rotation of our planet.

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