South Africa’s land is slowly and significantly rising, defying traditional explanations. Scientists have found that severe drought conditions are behind this phenomenon, which offers insights into Earth’s dynamic processes.
Researchers from the University of Bonn discovered a correlation between land elevation changes and drought intensity in South Africa. Since 2012, GPS data shows an average elevation increase of 6 millimeters across multiple regions. The Western Cape province experienced the most dramatic changes, with elevation gains of 5-6 millimeters during the extreme drought period from 2015 to 2019.
The study reveals a mechanical explanation for this phenomenon: water carries weight and compresses land when soil and underground aquifers become saturated. As drought conditions intensify, this pressure diminishes, allowing the earth’s crust to rise slightly.
To validate their hypothesis, researchers combined GPS measurements with data from the GRACE satellite mission. They found that areas experiencing water mass loss showed corresponding elevations in land height. Local hydrological models provided additional high-resolution data to refine the analysis.
This discovery presents an innovative method for tracking groundwater reserves. By monitoring land elevation through existing GPS networks, scientists can now infer the status of underground water supplies with remarkable accuracy. This approach could prove invaluable across arid regions worldwide.
As climate models predict more frequent and intense drought periods, this monitoring approach could help anticipate water crises and inform water restriction decisions. The implications extend beyond water management, highlighting the dynamic nature of Earth’s systems responding to environmental conditions.
Source: https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/25/this-african-country-has-started-rising-out-of-the-ocean-and-for-once-scientists-claim-its-not-due-to-tectonic-activity