Earth’s Land-Based Water Storage Diminishes

Recent data indicates that Earth’s capacity to store water on land is declining, with reservoirs such as soil, lakes, and snow not being replenished as before, an article on Earth.com reported. This trend is linked to rising global temperatures, which increase evaporation and crop water demands, leading to concerns about farmland productivity and the global water cycle.

Human activities, including excessive groundwater extraction and wetland drainage, exacerbate the issue. Major storms no longer restore groundwater levels, and the imbalance threatens areas reliant on stored water for drinking and agriculture.

The loss of land water contributes to rising sea levels, increasing flood risks for coastal communities. Additionally, a slight wobble in Earth’s rotation has been connected to declining land water, signaling significant shifts in mass distribution.

Experts emphasize the need for urgent action to protect water resources, including reducing greenhouse emissions and improving irrigation practices. Collaboration among policymakers, farmers, and communities is essential to mitigate further damage and ensure sustainable water management. The study is published in Science.