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yesterday

Study Confirms All Major U.S. Cities Are Sinking, Houston Worst Affected

Groundwater extraction is identified as the primary cause of subsidence, threatening infrastructure and increasing flood risks for 34 million residents.

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Overview

  • A new study using high-resolution satellite data reveals that all 28 of the most populous U.S. cities are sinking, with at least 20% of each city’s area affected.
  • Houston is the fastest-sinking city, with over 40% of its area subsiding more than 5 millimeters annually and some zones sinking as much as 5 centimeters per year.
  • Groundwater extraction accounts for approximately 80% of the observed subsidence, with oil and gas pumping exacerbating the issue in some regions.
  • Localized differential sinking within cities, such as in Houston and New York, poses added risks to infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of structural damage and flooding.
  • The study recommends mitigation strategies like improved groundwater management, infrastructure retrofits, and integrating land motion data into urban planning to address the growing risks.