A recent study reveals that all major U.S. cities, not just coastal ones, are experiencing land subsidence. Using new satellite data, researchers observed varied sinking rates across these cities. Groundwater extraction is a primary cause, but other factors are also involved. The study indicates that infrastructure might be compromised as urban areas expand into subsiding regions. Houston is currently noted as the most affected city, with significant portions of its land sinking rapidly. This research emphasizes the need for better understanding and mitigation of these geological challenges in urban planning.
The cities include not just those on the coasts, where relative sea level is a concern, but many in the interior.
As cities continue to grow, we will see more cities expand into subsiding regions.
Looking at all U.S. cities with populations exceeding 600,000, the new study uses recent satellite data to map out vertical land movements down to the millimeter.
The fastest-sinking city is Houston, with more than 40% of its area subsiding more than 5 millimeters per year.
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