Unprecedented Earth Tilt Raises Concerns

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that pumping groundwater has caused Earth's tilt to shift by 31.5 inches in less than two decades, resulting in a sea-level rise of 0.24 inches. The redistribution of groundwater has been found to have the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole, surpassing other climate-related causes. The study highlights the significant influence of human activities on Earth's rotation and emphasizes the need for better understanding and management of groundwater pumping to mitigate the effects of climate change, including sea-level rise.