28 Major US Cities Are Literally Sinking!

<img src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xxwVoYGyQBhchcn4iAcvyk.jpg" alt="An aerial view of lower Manhattan New York City and the Hudson River." >

A new study reveals that 28 of the most populous U.S. cities, including New York City and Chicago, are sinking at alarming rates – between 2 and 10 millimeters per year. This subsidence, affecting at least 20% of each city (and over 65% in most), is primarily caused by groundwater depletion.

The Sinking Cities

Texas shows the most dramatic sinking, with Houston leading the way. The consequences are serious:

• Compromised infrastructure: Buildings, roads, bridges, and railways are at risk of structural damage.
• Increased flood risk: Sinking land exacerbates flooding, particularly in coastal cities already threatened by sea level rise.
• Uneven sinking: This creates instability and further threatens structures.

The study, published in Nature Cities, emphasizes the silent nature of this risk. Damage may only become apparent when it's severe or catastrophic.

What Can Be Done?

While completely stopping the sinking is impossible, mitigation strategies include:

• Improved land subsidence monitoring
• Revised groundwater management policies
• Infrastructure resilience planning

Addressing this issue is crucial to protecting our cities and their inhabitants.