Study revealed: Dürre causes an increase in altitude in South Africa

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climate change lifts South Africa from the sea

South Africa shows a remarkable increase in its state level, which is up to two millimeters per year in some regions. This increase is a new challenge in the context of climate change. Studies from the University of Bonn provide deeper insights into the causes of this phenomenon. While earlier hypotheses suspected geodynamic causes, it now becomes clear that water loss due to droughts is the main factor for these changes.

The surveillance is carried out via a network of stationary GPS receivers who are able to record the elevations of the height. Between 2012 and 2020, an average increase of six millimeters was found. These findings are based on the analysis of regional precipitation patterns and the correlation between drought and rural elevation effects.

A team of scientists examined the data and found that affected areas increased particularly strongly after pronounced drought. The process is comparable to the inflation of a sponge that is drawn closer together by the withdrawal of water. As a result, the surface of the earth rises in these areas. The connection between water availability and the landscape is additionally supported by hydrological models that show precisely how droughts influence the water cycle.

The satellite mission Grace provides data on gravitational force that can only roughly map the water distribution in South Africa. But even this data prove that less water in the affected areas leads to a higher increase. With the knowledge gathered, it is possible for researchers to better anticipate the water requirements and, if necessary, to manage resources more efficiently. In view of the climate change and further changing precipitation patterns, this becomes an even more important topic, especially after considerable drought time in recent years that have heavily burdened the water reserves.

The results of these studies come at a time when South Africa is not only confronted with the lack of water, but also with the consequences of climate change. In the coming years, these changes could bring further challenges because the pressure on water resources will increase. A better understanding of the relationships between climate change, water management and the change in the height will be crucial to proactively counter the effects.