EFFECT OF GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION ON EARTH TILT
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Context
- In a recently published new study a change in tilt of earth was observed.
- In the journal of the American Geophysical Union, Geophysical Research Letters, this study was published on June 15,2023.
- During 1993 and 2010, Earth was tilted 80 cm to its east.
- The cause of this tilt was extraction of ground water and transporting it to other locations.
Other Details
- Global water circulation has relation with mass distribution across planet.
- This mass distribution has bearing on the fluctuation/instability of geographic north and south poles of Earth.
- Mass redistribution can cause change in these rotational pole by several metres in a year.
- A total of 2,150 gigatons of groundwater is estimated to be extracted and redistributed during 1993 to 2010, which is equivalent to 6 mm sea level rise.
- It was mainly occurred in Western North America and northwestern India.
- This also caused the change in mass distribution especially if it is from the mid-latitudes.
- It was evident that during 1995-2020 average drift speed was 17 times quicker compare to previous years, 1981-1995.
Various factors can cause instability in rotational poles
- Ocean currents.
- Convection current produced by magma.
- Groundwater extraction and redistribution
Implication of change in Tilt of Earth due to groundwater redistribution
- Polar drift can impact our planet’s climate.
- Seasonal contrast may be enhanced which may lead to colder winters and warmer summers.
- Risk of shifting seasons, however with current level of extraction there seems to be no risk as claimed by study.
Way Ahead
- A slow rate of extraction of groundwater.
- More wise and optimal use of available water.
- Rainwater harvesting
- A limit on groundwater extraction for commercial use.
- Better irrigation techniques like drip irrigation should be used to achieve water efficiency.
- Water losses should be minimized.
- Using more clean energy as these have lower water footprint.
- There should be a legal framework in place to punish the violators.
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Tilt of Earth
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Must read Article:
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PRACTICE QUESTION Discuss the implications of the change in Earth’s tilt. Also elaborate on the natural and man induced reasons which may cause the change in this tilt. (150 words) |
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