While sea levels rise globally, South Africa defies expectations by slowly lifting itself higher above the waves. This surprising geological phenomenon, measured at nearly a quarter-inch between 2012 and 2020, has puzzled researchers for years. Now, a groundbreaking study suggests climate change and severe droughts are the real culprits behind this continental elevation.
A country on the rise
Picture this: an entire country slowly but steadily rising like bread in an oven. That’s essentially what’s happening to South Africa right now. Scientists have been tracking this bizarre phenomenon using a vast network of permanent GPS receivers scattered across the country. These high-tech monitoring stations can measure position and altitude down to fractions of an inch, and they’ve been telling a fascinating story.
The data doesn’t lie. Between 2012 and 2020, South Africa gained approximately 0.24 inches in elevation. Sure, that might not sound like much when you’re thinking about your morning coffee, but on a geological scale? That’s lightning fast.
What makes this even more intriguing is that scientists have known about this land elevation for several years now. The measurements have been consistent, the technology reliable, but the “why” behind it all remained frustratingly elusive.
The original suspect: Hot rocks from below
Initially, researchers pointed fingers at something called a geological plume. Think of it as Earth’s version of a lava lamp. The theory suggested that abnormally hot rocks from deep within our planet were slowly bubbling up toward the surface of the Earth’s mantle, specifically underneath South Africa.
This upward movement of scorching material would essentially be the planet’s way of releasing internal heat. As these hot rocks pushed upward, they would cause the Earth’s crust to swell and buckle, creating the observed uplift. Makes sense, right?
A new theory emerges from drought data
But here’s where things get interesting. A fresh study from the University of Bonn, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, has thrown a wrench into that hot rock theory. Instead of looking down into the Earth’s depths, these researchers looked up at the sky and around at the landscape.
The German research team noticed something curious: areas that experienced severe droughts were the same areas showing the most significant ground uplift. Coincidence? Highly unlikely.
They used two key datasets to crack this puzzle. First, they analyzed precipitation patterns to understand regional climate, seasonal changes, and water resource evolution. Then they cross-referenced this information with satellite data that confirmed the connection between droughts and land elevation.
Enter the GRACE satellite
The real game-changer came from an unlikely source: the GRACE satellite. Originally launched to study Earth’s gravity, this space-based observatory turned out to be perfect for understanding how much water different regions can store in their soil.
Christian Mielke, a researcher at the German Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, explained how this works: “These results can be used to calculate, among other things, the variation of the total mass of water storage; the sum of surface water, soil moisture, and groundwater.”
What they discovered was remarkable. The less water mass present in a region, the more pronounced the uplift at nearby GPS stations became. It’s like removing books from a sagging shelf – take away the weight, and everything springs back up.
Why drought makes land rise
Here’s the science behind this phenomenon, and it’s actually pretty straightforward when you think about it. Water is heavy – really heavy. When soil, underground aquifers, and surface water bodies are full, they exert tremendous downward pressure on the land beneath them.
During severe droughts, several things happen:
- Surface water evaporates or gets consumed
- Soil moisture disappears through evaporation and plant uptake
- Underground water tables drop as aquifers get depleted
- Rivers and lakes shrink or disappear entirely
As all this water weight disappears, the land literally rebounds upward. It’s similar to what happens when you step off a soft mattress – it springs back to its original shape once the pressure is removed.
Cape Town’s “Day Zero” connection
Remember 2018? That’s when Cape Town, South Africa’s southwestern coastal city, came terrifyingly close to running out of water entirely. Residents lived under the specter of “Day Zero” – the day when authorities would no longer be able to guarantee drinking water supply.
This wasn’t just a local crisis; it was a preview of what climate change could bring to water-stressed regions worldwide. And now we know it was also contributing to the country’s mysterious elevation gain.
What this means for the future
The tools and techniques used to understand South Africa’s rising act could prove invaluable for other applications. Scientists can now measure drought severity more precisely and better assess how much water resources have been depleted in any given region.
But here’s the concerning part: as climate change accelerates and drought periods become more frequent and severe, this land uplift phenomenon could intensify. And it’s not just South Africa we’re talking about – this could affect the entire African continent.
Africa’s climate challenge
According to the United Nations, Africa is warming faster than the global average, despite contributing only about 4% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a cruel irony that one of the continents least responsible for climate change is experiencing some of its most dramatic effects.
This creates a troubling feedback loop. More intense droughts lead to greater land elevation, which can affect everything from infrastructure stability to water management systems. Roads, buildings, and pipelines designed for stable ground conditions might face unexpected stresses.
The bigger picture
What started as a curious geological observation has evolved into something much more significant. South Africa’s rising landscape serves as a tangible, measurable reminder of how climate change is literally reshaping our planet in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
The fact that we can now link satellite gravity measurements with GPS elevation data and precipitation records shows how interconnected Earth’s systems really are. Everything affects everything else, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
As researchers continue monitoring this phenomenon, they’re not just tracking South Africa’s elevation – they’re documenting one of the most visible signs of how our changing climate is physically transforming the continents we call home. And honestly? That’s both fascinating and a little unsettling at the same time.