NASA Study Highlights Groundwater Depletion in Brazil's Agricultural Regions
A recent study conducted by NASA and Brazilian research institutions has revealed significant groundwater depletion in Brazil, particularly affecting its agricultural regions. The research, published in Science Advances, utilized data from the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On satellite missions, which track changes in Earth's water by measuring subtle shifts in gravity. The study found that factors such as drought, deforestation, agriculture, mining, and increased groundwater extraction are straining aquifers that supply 55% of Brazil's water. The depletion is most severe in central and eastern Brazil, where aquifers are not being replenished annually due to insufficient rainfall. This situation mirrors groundwater loss patterns seen in other countries with heavily used aquifers, such as the United States and India. 
