JOURNAL ARTICLE

The world's dams hold so much water they've shifted Earth's poles.

  • Published In: How It Works, 2025, n. 206. P. 14 1 of 3

  • Database: Science Reference Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: PARE, SASCHA 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses how the construction of thousands of dams since 1835 has contributed to the wobbling of Earth's poles due to the redistribution of mass caused by the water stored behind these structures. Researchers analyzed the impact of 6,862 dams on polar movement from 1835 to 2011, finding that this led to a total shift of 1.1 meters in the North Pole's location. The study highlights two distinct phases of polar wander linked to dam construction in North America and Europe, followed by East Africa and Asia. The findings suggest that the presence of dams should be considered in sea level rise projections, as they significantly affect global sea levels by trapping water that would otherwise contribute to ocean levels. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:How It Works. 2025/09, Issue 206, p14
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2041-7322
  • Accession Number:187224138
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