Human Activity Alters Earth's Tilt by Over 2 Feet

The removal of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes is causing the Earth's axis to shift, according to a study by researchers at Seoul National University. The team found that the Earth tilted 31 inches east between 1993 and 2010 due to the redistribution of groundwater, which alters the planet's mass. This shift can increase the amount of sunlight the poles receive, potentially increasing the melting of polar ice. The study highlights the need to consider Earth's axis wobbling when using GPS, satellites and ground observatories.