A new study published in Nature Cities drops a stark warning: all 28 of the most populous U.S. cities are sinking. From coastal hubs like New York to landlocked metros like Phoenix, the ground beneath more than 34 million Americans is slowly caving in—sometimes dramatically. Using high-resolution satellite data, researchers tracked vertical land movements down to the millimeter, revealing striking data about subsidence around the country.
Is the East Coast rising or sinking?
Many cities along the East Coast are sinking. New York City, Philadelphia and Miami have shown high rates of subsidence according to the study. Subsidence is occurring alongside the rising sea levels, exacerbating the threat of flooding in coastal communities and even in NYC. The study shows that areas along the East Coast are sinking at least two millimeters per year, with some areas sinking more than five millimeters per year, faster than the current global rate of sea level rise
What cities in the U.S. are experiencing the most sinking?
Three cities in Texas are experiencing the most sinking at the fastest rate: Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth. Other trouble zones include Fort Worth, Dallas, Chicago and even spots around LaGuardia Airport in NYC.
What is the fastest sinking city in the U.S.?
The study shows that Houston is the fastest-sinking city in the U.S. More than 40% of the city is sinking more than five millimeters per year, with some hot spots dropping five centimeters annually.
What U.S. cities will be flooded by 2050?
According to a map of sea level rise, the cities most at risk from flooding due to subsidence and sea level rise are Houston, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Memphis, Riverside (CA) and Virginia Beach.
Why are U.S. cities sinking?
In 80% of cases, massive groundwater extraction is the culprit. As aquifers are drained, the land compacts and drops. In Texas, oil and gas extraction make things worse. Elsewhere, natural subsurface shifts, the lingering effects of ancient glaciers and even the literal weight of skyscrapers can cause subsidence. As climate change worsens, cities will continue sinking. In areas experiencing drought, the soil is dried out even further, leading to further groundwater extraction.
The authors of the study say action must be taken, and solutions exist, like land elevation, updated building codes and green infrastructure.
“As opposed to just saying it’s a problem, we can respond, address, mitigate, adapt,” said study lead Leonard Ohenhen.