Groundwater Extraction Alters Earth's Tilt

Groundwater Extraction Alters Earth's Tilt

News: A new study reveals that the Earth's tilt has changed by 31.5 inches (80 centimetres) between 1993 and 2010. It was found that humans have pumped so much groundwater from Earth that its tilt has been affected.

Which processes affect Earth’s rotational pole?
 Melting of Ice caps
 According to study by a scientist at Seoul National University. 'Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.'
 On a yearly basis, the Earth's rotational pole shifts by a few metres. The impact of groundwater retrieval on this shift depends on where such reservoirs are located. Scientists claim that water removed from midlatitudes had the largest effect on the planet's tilt.

What are the impact of change in tilt of Earth’s axis?
 A change in the tilt can affect the duration and intensity of the seasons, making them longer or shorter, warmer or colder.
 The tilt of Earth’s axis also affects the position of sunrise and sunset on the horizon.
 The tilt of Earth’s axis influences the distribution of heat and moisture across the globe, creating different climate zones such as tropical, temperate and polar. A change in the tilt can alter the boundaries and characteristics of these climate zones, affecting the vegetation, wildlife and human activities in those regions.
 The tilt of Earth’s axis affects the wind patterns that drive the ocean currents, which transport heat and nutrients around the world. It can influence weather, marine life etc.
Source – Indiatimes