Earth Has Tilted 31.5 Inches, And Scientists Point To One Major Cause

In a startling discovery, scientists have revealed that Earth has tilted over 30 inches in the last two decades. After analyzing the data, they’ve identified the surprising reason behind this shift.

A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters found that our planet tilted by 31.5 inches in under 20 years. While Earth's rotational pole naturally shifts, this new research highlights a specific cause that has had a particularly significant impact on this movement.

It turns out that the answer lies beneath our feet.

The Earth has tilted over 31 inches Getty Stock Photo

"Earth's rotational pole actually changes a lot," explained Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist and the lead author of the study.

The study identifies groundwater pumping as a major factor influencing Earth's tilt. When vast amounts of water are extracted from underground sources, it changes the distribution of the planet's mass, which affects its rotation.

Seo elaborated further, stating: "Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole,"

To quantify this, researchers analyzed data from 1993 to 2010. During that period, approximately 2,150 gigatons of groundwater were extracted globally, which contributed to Earth's tilt shifting by 31.5 inches.

As this groundwater eventually makes its way into the oceans, it not only redistributes the planet’s mass but also raises sea levels. The study estimates that this tilt has led to a sea level rise of around 0.24 inches—a seemingly small number, but one with major implications over time.

It's caused the sea level to rise Getty Stock Photo

Groundwater, a vital resource for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial use, lies beneath the Earth’s surface. It collects in soil, rocks, and underground reservoirs called aquifers, where it can remain until extracted or naturally flows out into springs and rivers.

While groundwater pumping is essential for many activities, it has become increasingly evident that this practice is having unintended, planet-wide consequences. The redistribution of water through extraction is subtly, but measurably, altering Earth's balance and contributing to climate-related challenges.

Seo expressed mixed emotions about the findings, saying: "I'm very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift,"

He added: "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."

Surendra Adhikari, a scientist involved in earlier NASA research linking groundwater pumping to shifts in Earth's axis, also weighed in, describing the impact as significant: "They've quantified the role of groundwater pumping on polar motion and it's pretty significant."

An aquifer captures groundwater Getty Stock Photo

The issue is particularly pressing in regions like North America and northwestern India, where groundwater extraction is extensive. These areas are seeing some of the most dramatic impacts on Earth's tilt and sea-level rise.

Researchers hope that by understanding the effects of groundwater pumping, they can develop strategies to better manage water resources and mitigate the rise in sea levels.

As Seo pointed out: "Observing changes in Earth's rotational pole is useful for understanding continent-scale water storage variations,"