News Earth

Pumping groundwater raises sea level

Two new studies flag an underreported factor in global ocean change

By Janet Raloff

- More than 2 years ago

Pumping groundwater, some 70 percent of it to irrigate crops, has recently become a potent force in global sea-level rise, two new studies conclude.

For many crops around the world, farmers must supplement rainfall with irrigation — and much of this added water comes from underground reservoirs.