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Humans Causing California's Mountains To Grow

Posted by Soulskill on from the not-just-for-evil-masterminds-anymore dept.

New submitter Megan Sever writes: "This is a cool story about anthropogenic effects of water withdrawal moving mountains — literally. According to new research published today (abstract) and reported in EARTH Magazine, humans have been causing the Sierra Nevada mountains to rise. By withdrawing water for irrigation and other purposes, we have inadvertently removed water from the mountains, allowing them to uplift. The research shows a seasonal and annual cycle."

3 of 36 comments (clear)

  1. I know it's just the one. by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 5, Funny

    I thought Grand Tetons only swelled when you add liquid to them.

    --
    (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
  2. Re:Tectonics? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I'm certain that plate tectonics have absolutely nothing to do with the rise in the mountains.

    Are you trying to dispute an article you clearly haven't read?

  3. Re:How do they know man's actions cause this? by Layzej · · Score: 5, Informative

    Unpublished? It's published right here: http://www.nature.com/nature/j...

    So what data are they using to compare to the current data to determine this is caused by man's actions?

    They looked at seasonal variations. If seasonal variations are causing a change in elevation, why wouldn't the volume of groundwater lost over the past century and a half also cause a change in elevation? In fact, when they compared the expected changes in elevation with the observed changes they got a pretty good match.