Unveiling the Future: How South Africa is Emerging from the Ocean, According to Scientists

As climate change worsens, South Africa faces not only rising temperatures but also an alarming rise in land height—up to 2 millimeters each year. A recent study reveals that this elevation isn’t just from natural forces beneath the earth; it’s significantly influenced by drought and water loss linked to climate change.

Scientists had previously thought the rising land was due to a phenomenon in the Earth’s crust called the Quathlamba hotspot. This area was believed to bulge from materials moving up from deep within the Earth. However, new findings suggest that droughts might be a major factor.

Researchers analyzed data from a network of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) stations spread across South Africa. These stations keep track of how the land’s height changes over time. From 2012 to 2020, they recorded an average uplift of 6 millimeters. Areas hit hardest by drought showed the most significant rise.

This was particularly noticeable during the severe drought from 2015 to 2019. During that time, Cape Town faced dire water shortages, dubbed "Day Zero," when taps would run dry.

The study team also referenced data from the GRACE satellite mission, which tracks changes in Earth’s gravity and water distribution. Though this data has a broader resolution and can only provide insights over large areas, it confirmed the link between reduced water mass and rising land.

According to Christian Mielke, a geodesist from the University of Bonn, understanding these dynamics could help manage water resources better, especially as droughts become more frequent due to climate change. Groundwater is vital for agriculture, and knowing where it’s depleting can guide better usage.

The findings emphasize how climate change is reshaping our planet in surprising ways. By monitoring land elevation through GNSS data, South Africa might gain a new tool to address its ongoing water scarcity challenges.

This research was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, highlighting its importance in the ongoing exploration of how climate impacts our environment. For more details, you can check the study here.

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