Overview

• A new study published in Nature Cities reveals that all 28 of the most populous U.S. cities are experiencing land subsidence at rates of 2–10 millimeters per year.
• Groundwater extraction is responsible for 80% of the observed subsidence, with additional contributions from building weight and natural geological processes.
• Houston is the fastest-sinking city, with over 40% of its land subsiding at least 5 millimeters per year and hotspots sinking up to 10 millimeters annually.
• The study highlights that differential subsidence, where sinking rates vary within a city, poses significant risks to infrastructure stability and increases flood vulnerability.
• Researchers recommend improved groundwater management, updated urban planning, and infrastructure retrofitting to mitigate risks for the 34 million residents and 29,000 buildings affected.