Large hydro dams have shifted the earth's poles

[OVERKILL]

And slowed the planet's rotation.

This is according to a study performed by researchers at Harvard University, who investigated the effect of artificial water impoundment on the earth.

While the effects are small in magnitude, it's still very interesting to see how something as simple as just disrupting the natural flows of water have a global impact.

Article here:

https://news.agu.org/press-release/water-storage-in-dams-has-caused-minute-shifts-in-earths-poles/

 

[mitsuman47]

“A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds the construction of nearly 7,000 dams from 1835 to 2011 shifted the poles about a meter (3 feet) in total and caused a 21-millimeter (0.83-inch) drop in global sea levels. Together, these dams hold enough water to fill the Grand Canyon twice.”

Amazing, if true.

But, I thought sea levels were rising and we were all in big trouble?

 

[97prizm]

Amazing, if true.

But, I thought sea levels were rising and we were all in big trouble?

We as human beings haven't had extreme Accurate data recording for very long. From watching PBS Nova etc don't planets slow down ever so slightly as they age? The sun supposedly has 4-5 billion years before it becomes a dim giant light bulb. Interesting none the less.

 

[burbguy82]

I just stomped on the ground. Did yall feel it? I made the earth vibrate a little bit.=true
I just lit a torch, bit yall feel the temperature rise?=true also.

Interesting topic.

Amazing, if true.

Oh it is true. Anything we do effects everything we do.

Whether the changes noted really make any difference or not is the base question, IMO. More times than not, it is not the data, it is those who use a skewed interpretation of the data, that muddy waters in these conversations.

 

[SC Maintenance]

The earths poles have moved over the milenia. How do they know what’s changing it now?

 

[loneryder]

I don't believe this. The magnetic poles are always in slow change. North Pole loses ice...the South Pole gains it and vice versa.

 

[rstcso]

Is this based on the same science used for global warming, where sensors that have been located in the same location for over a century, once surrounded by nature, are now surrounded by highways, parking lots, and high-rise buildings? Just asking.

 

[JTK]

Probably just the magnetic personality of some of our BITOG members causing the shift.

 

[spackard]

Yeah, anyway, build me dams, not high speed rail.

 

[levi]

And slowed the planet's rotation.

This is according to a study performed by researchers at Harvard University, who investigated the effect of artificial water impoundment on the earth.

While the effects are small in magnitude, it's still very interesting to see how something as simple as just disrupting the natural flows of water have a global impact.

Article here:

https://news.agu.org/press-release/water-storage-in-dams-has-caused-minute-shifts-in-earths-poles/

Filing this article under, "Things I don't believe."

 

[Arc]

Pretty sure that the earths rotation is speeding up and it's the magnetic poles that are shifting.

 

[OVERKILL]

Filing this article under, "Things I don't believe."

Read the study, which is also linked, don't just read the article. I think it's interesting. All activity has an impact, to some degree. A single volcanic eruption can disrupt weather patterns for huge swaths of the earth for years, I don't think it's implausible that blocking the flow of billions of gallons of water would have an effect. Now, how significant is the effect? That's what the study claims to present, and that's debatable of course, as all studies are, but I don't think it's prudent to just outright dismiss the premise.

 

[oil pan 4]

Amazing, if true.

But, I thought sea levels were rising and we were all in big trouble?

They're "away rising" with virtually no proof they're rising....

 

[Arc]

They're "away rising" with virtually no proof they're rising....

exactly

 

[goblin]

...with virtually no proof they're rising....

Yeah, because tide gauges for the last 150 years and satellites for the last 50 don't actually exist.

 

[oil pan 4]

Yeah, because tide gauges for the last 150 years and satellites for the last 50 don't actually exist.

Land sinking and rising appears to have a far more dramatic effect than imaginary sea level rise.

 

[levi]

Read the study, which is also linked, don't just read the article. I think it's interesting. All activity has an impact, to some degree. A single volcanic eruption can disrupt weather patterns for huge swaths of the earth for years, I don't think it's implausible that blocking the flow of billions of gallons of water would have an effect. Now, how significant is the effect? That's what the study claims to present, and that's debatable of course, as all studies are, but I don't think it's prudent to just outright dismiss the premise.

Yes, I read it. We shall agree to disagree on my dismissal of the premise. Connecting the dots of large dams being built in the 20th century to pole shifts seems quite implausible to me.

I'll go back to my cave now.

 

[Vercingetorix]

I only believe the science I want to believe. I’m never wrong that way.

 

[rstcso]

I only believe the science I want to believe. I’m never wrong that way.

Now I know why you questioned my logic regarding the Continental all season tires in another thread!

 

[BHopkins]

Interesting read. I'm not sure I'm convinced. The article mentioned nothing about data to show that the two changes, damming of water and shift in Earth's poles, are necessarily related. is there enough astronomy data around prior to 1835, when the article claims the start of major dam construction in North America and Europe, to show that Earth's axis was relatively stable before this time?

I'm pretty skeptical when I read articles about studies where they only give you the highlights and, we the reader, are supposed to assume that the researchers are right.