Because of humans, the Earth’s axis has shifted by 80 cm and the consequences are worrying

Scientists have discovered that the axis of our planet has moved almost 1 meter in less than 20 years. A phenomenon due to human activities and which has worrying consequences.

It’s no secret: human activities have a very direct impact on our environment. The global warming and what results from this are the most telling examples. Although we are aware that we upset a fragile balance on a daily basis, it is extremely difficult to find the right compromise. In recent years, the rise of artificial intelligence has led to fears of significant water shortages, for example.

Sometimes the effects are much more subtle, which does not prevent them from being dangerous in the medium and long term. Thus, building buildings that are too massive, among other things, can slow down the rotation of the Earth. Along the same lines, South Korean scientists discovered thatbetween 1993 and 2010, the axis of rotation of the planet moved by 80 cm. They realized this after noticing that the stars were no longer in the same place as they were decades ago. The person responsible for this phenomenon is known: Man.

The Earth’s axis has moved 80 cm in less than 20 years and the consequences are already visible

Thanks to several mathematical simulations, the teams were able to prove that the earth’s axis has changed following the displacement of 2,150 gigatons of groundwater by humans. They are mainly used for irrigation and end up being released into the oceans. Except it’s not their original place. “It’s like adding a little weight to a spinning top.“, explains Ki-Weon Seo, director of the study.

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At our level, it is impossible to realize the phenomenon, we do not have the impression of being more “leaning” than before. On the other hand, this modification of the Earth’s axis is seen very concretely in the rising water levels : approximately 6 mm more. As for whether we will be able to reverse the trend, only time will tell.

Source : Popular Mechanics