High Mountain Asia Faces Significant Groundwater Loss, Study Finds
A recent satellite study revealed a concerning decline in groundwater storage across High Mountain Asia (HMA), also known as the "Asian Water Tower." The study, published on February 1, 2026, by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and reviewed by Phys.org, estimated an annual groundwater loss of 24.2 billion tons in the region.
The research utilized satellite data to assess the extent of the groundwater depletion. According to Phys.org, the study employed a "lightweight deep-learning framework" to analyze basin extent and hydrological characteristics across HMA.
This loss of groundwater raises concerns about the long-term water security for the region, which supplies water to a large portion of Asia. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the causes of the depletion and the implementation of sustainable water management practices.
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