South Africa Land Rise: Cause Revealed
- A recent study indicates that South Africa experienced an average uplift of 6 millimeters (0.2 inches) between 2012 and 2020, primarily due to drought and subsequent water loss.
- The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, reveals that uplift patterns in South Africa align with periods of drought and seasonal shifts between dry...
- Makan Karegar, a geodesist at the University of Bonn in germany, observed that the land uplift correlated with drought periods, especially the "Day Zero" drought from 2015 to...
South Africa’s land rose an average of 6 millimeters between 2012 and 2020, a shift primarily attributed to drought and water loss, according to new research. This study unveils how GPS data pinpoints the correlation between land uplift and water storage changes, offering a groundbreaking model for early drought detection. The uplift patterns across South Africa align with dry and wet seasons, surprising researchers with their widespread nature. By analyzing GPS data, scientists have established a direct link between shrinking water reserves and the rising land, possibly aiding in future drought prediction. News Directory 3 is keeping a close watch on these developments. The study’s findings, validated against existing models, point to water loss as the primary driver. Discover what’s next as scientists study the long-term effects.
South Africa’s Land Rises Due to drought and Water Loss
Updated May 29, 2025
A recent study indicates that South Africa experienced an average uplift of 6 millimeters (0.2 inches) between 2012 and 2020, primarily due to drought and subsequent water loss. Researchers have developed a new model using global positioning system (GPS) data to measure this land uplift and its connection to water storage changes.
The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, reveals that uplift patterns in South Africa align with periods of drought and seasonal shifts between dry and wet conditions. This GPS-based model could possibly assist researchers in identifying early indicators of drought in the future.
Makan Karegar, a geodesist at the University of Bonn in germany, observed that the land uplift correlated with drought periods, especially the “Day Zero” drought from 2015 to 2018. This prompted the investigation into the relationship between land movement and water loss.
The team analyzed GPS data from stations across South Africa, which precisely measure height changes. The findings showed a direct link between the disappearance of water from surface reservoirs,soil,and groundwater reserves,and the corresponding rise of the land.
Christian Mielke, also a geodesist at the University of Bonn and coauthor of the study, expressed surprise at the widespread uplift across South Africa, expecting it to be limited to regions near concentrated reservoirs.
The GPS-based results were validated against existing models of water storage and loss, showing strong agreement with satellite measurements and climate data. While a mantle plume beneath South Africa could contribute, water loss appears to be the primary driver of the uplift.
“The biggest surprise for us was that we saw an uplift over most parts of South Africa,” said christian Mielke, a geodesist at the University of Bonn.
What’s next
Karegar suggests that with sufficient precipitation and the return of water to reservoirs,the land could potentially subside again. Though, bill Hammond, a geodesist at the University of Nevada Reno, who was not involved in the study, notes that determining the long-term effects and separating drought-related uplift from other factors requires further data.