Groundwater Pumping Tilts Earth's Rotation by 31.5 Inches

A new study reveals that groundwater pumping has caused a significant shift in Earth's rotation axis, approximately 31.5 inches over recent decades. This equates to 0.24 inches of sea-level rise. Researchers found that the redistribution of groundwater has the largest impact on the drift of Earth's rotational pole, explaining previously unexplained variations in Earth's rotation. The study highlights the significant impact of groundwater extraction on climate change and sea-level rise, offering crucial insights for future water management and climate change mitigation.