Earth Tilts 31.5 inches Due to Excessive Groundwater Extraction

As per a research published in Geophysical Research Letters, excessive groundwater extraction has shifted Earth's rotational pole.

Led by Ki-Weon Seo from Seoul National University, the study shows that Earth’s pole has drifted by approximately 80 centimeters in the east direction due to groundwater depletion.

Close to about 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has been extracted between 1993 to 2010, the study claims. The exorbitant rate of extraction has increased the sea level by 0.24 inches, following which the rotational pole has drifted at a rate of 4.36 centimeters per year.

Notably, regions including western North America and northwestern India saw excessive groundwater extraction. The regions’ geographical location and groundwater extraction play a crucial role in deciding Earth’s rotational pole.

Though such changes don’t affect the planet's weather patterns or seasons immediately, however, a prolonged groundwater depletion could have long-term impacts.