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Study Links Drought to South Africa's Land Uplift

5/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study using GPS data reveals that South Africa's landscape rose about 6 mm between 2012 and 2020, driven by severe droughts. As reservoirs and soil lost water, researchers uncovered a surprising link between this water loss and land uplift, challenging long-held geological beliefs and underscoring the profound effects of climate change on the region.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study using GPS data reveals that South Africa's landscape rose about 6 mm between 2012 and 2020, driven by severe droughts. As reservoirs and soil lost water, researchers uncovered a surprising link between this water loss and land uplift, challenging long-held geological beliefs and underscoring the profound effects of climate change on the region.