Earth’s axis shifting faster due to climate change — study

Recent studies reveal that human activities, particularly since the 1990s, have significantly shifted Earth's axis. The geographic poles, which are not fixed, have moved due to changes in Earth's mass distribution. Historically, natural factors like ocean currents influenced this drift. However, the loss of ice due to global warming has accelerated pole movement. From 1995 to 2020, the drift speed increased 17 times compared to 1981-1995. The poles have shifted about 4 meters since 1980, with water loss from land being a major driver of this rapid change.

What has recent human activity caused in relation to the Earth's axis?

• A stabilization of the Earth's poles

• A change in the Earth's orbit

• A shift in the Earth's axis

• A decrease in the Earth's rotation speed

Which natural factors were previously responsible for the drifting of the Earth's poles?

• Tidal forces and atmospheric pressure

• Ocean currents and convection of hot rock

• Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes

• Solar flares and magnetic storms

Since the 1990s, what has been a significant human-induced factor affecting the movement of the poles?

• Deforestation

• Loss of ice due to global warming

• Increased agricultural activities

• Urbanization

How much faster was the average speed of polar drift from 1995 to 2020 compared to 1981 to 1995?

• 17 times faster

• 10 times faster

• 5 times faster

• 20 times faster

What is theorized to be the main driver of rapid polar drift since the 1990s?

• Changes in atmospheric pressure

• Decline of water stored on land

• Increased volcanic activity

• Shifts in oceanic currents