Parts of South Africa are undergoing geological uplift as a result of a long-term drought, according to new findings based on GPS and satellite observations. Scientists have determined that a reduction in underground water reserves—caused by extended dry conditions—is responsible for the phenomenon.
Researchers analyzing geospatial data found that as groundwater levels decrease, the reduced weight on the Earth’s crust allows the land to rise. This process, known as elastic rebound, is increasingly being observed in regions where significant amounts of groundwater are being depleted.
In South Africa, the ongoing drought has intensified over recent years, leading to substantial decreases in groundwater reserves. These findings suggest that human-induced climate change may be exacerbating the situation, contributing to more frequent and severe droughts across the region.
The uplift is measurable using high-precision GPS instruments and satellite radar, which have tracked vertical land movement in millimeters per year. Scientists warn that continued groundwater extraction without replenishment could not only affect land elevation but also impact water availability, agriculture, and infrastructure in the long term.
Experts are calling for improved water management strategies and further research to understand the broader implications of these geological changes on ecosystems and human settlements across South Africa and other drought-prone areas globally.
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