Dürre and height rise: Study reveals new knowledge about South Africa

climate change lifts South Africa from the sea

South Africa experiences a slow but significant increase in its land mass, which varies regionally by up to two millimeters a year. This was determined by continuous monitoring by GPS stations in the country. While earlier explanations put geodynamic processes in the earth's mantle in the foreground, a current study by the University of Bonn shows that drought time and the associated water losses are the main cause for this increase.

The study, published in the "Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth", refers to data from 2012 to 2020, which show an average increase of six millimeters. These findings were supplemented by the analysis of regional precipitation patterns, whereby it was determined that areas after droughts are particularly pronounced. Satellite data from the Grace mission also indicate that the increase in the land mass correlated with the decrease in the water mass in the region.

Another aspect of this research is that drying out land masses similar to a foam ball. When water is withdrawn, the earth's crust makes an upward step. These observation methods are not only cost -effective, but also enable a better understanding of the condition of the water reserves, which are often hidden below the earth's surface and are used for agriculture and industrial processes.

An example of the problems that can arise from water shortages is the drought in Cape Town between 2015 and 2019, which created the concept of the "Day Zero" - a potential day when the water supply could have been completely set. These events illustrate the need for effective water management in the face of climate change and the changed precipitation patterns.

Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the interactions between climate change, water loss and geodynamic changes in South Africa. It underlines the importance of continuous monitoring and research in order to be able to better manage future challenges.