Earth Has Tilted Due to Groundwater Pumping

A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters shows that the pumping of groundwater impacts the tilt of Earth’s rotation, and further exacerbates climate change. The study reports that in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches as a result of pumping groundwater, equating to 0.24 inches of sea level rise. 

Previous research from NASA in 2016 demonstrates that because the Earth moves on a rotational pole, the distribution of water on the planet impacts distribution of mass. In other words, the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around due to pumping, ultimately impacting its tilt. 

The pumping has largely been for irrigation and human use, with the groundwater eventually relocating to the oceans. Conservationists are currently using these data to understand how to work toward preventing continued sea level rise and other climate issues.