Severe drought in South Africa is causing the land to rise, a phenomenon documented by scientists at the University of Bonn. GPS data shows areas experiencing the most intense drought, like the Western Cape, are rising up to 6 millimeters annually. This unexpected geological effect is due to the release of pressure from depleted water sources in soil and aquifers. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, suggests monitoring land elevation via existing GPS networks could provide a cost-effective way to track groundwater levels and predict water crises globally.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.