Researchers warn this may be just the beginning; If nothing is done, the giant holes will get even bigger.
Researchers have noticed that more and more giant cracks are appearing in the ground stretching for miles across the southwestern United States. Science Alert writes that large holes have already been discovered in Arizona, Utah and California, but there may be more of them.
According to Joseph Cook, who studies soil cracks at the Arizona Geological Survey, the reason for this depressing situation is that humanity is literally “draining the earth.” Groundwater is one of the main sources of freshwater in the world; It provides almost 50% of all drinking water and approximately 40% of the world’s irrigation. But humans are pumping groundwater out of the depths of the planet much faster than the Earth can naturally replenish it.
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When too much groundwater is pumped from natural aquifers beneath the planet’s surface, it causes the ground to sag and large cracks form. In fact, the giant holes in the ground in the southwestern United States are “not a natural phenomenon” but caused by humans.
Researchers say such cracks are a sign of fatigue and stress on Earth. They surround large flat areas that sink when they lose groundwater support. Cook notes that cracks often occur in depressions between mountains and can damage homes, roads, canals and even dams. In fact, they are a threat to animals and humans as well.
Arizona has had this problem for a long time; Similar cracks have been observed there since at least 2002. Currently, local Geological Survey workers have already detected approximately 272 kilometers of cracks.
The study analyzed water levels at tens of thousands of locations across the United States. The results show that groundwater resources, which provide nearly 90% of all water supplies, are so badly depleted that they are likely never to recover.
It can take centuries, even millennia, for underground groundwater systems to recover from extreme depletion, Cook said. Studies have shown that some sites in Arizona, for example, are beyond salvage.
At the same time, scientists point out that this problem does not concern only the USA. With climate change, this “world crisis” will get worse. As the world’s global temperatures rise, rivers are shrinking, forcing farmers worldwide to rely on groundwater sources for fresh water, according to University of Tulsa law professor and water resources expert Varigia Bowman. However, the world’s underground resources are not endless; If necessary steps are not taken in the near future, these systems will disappear completely in the future.
Previously Focus wrote that scientists warn hellish heatwaves will get more intense: who is to blame?
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.