America's cities face an uncertain future as land sinks
Sometimes it's worthwhile to view the world from a slightly different perspective. A study has been recently published highlighting a significant challenge facing the largest cities in the United States: nearly 30 metropolises are gradually sinking into the ground.
The findings of this recent study indicate that as many as 28 American cities are "disappearing before our eyes," subsiding at a rate of up to 0.4 inches per year. Cities such as New York and Chicago are among those affected by this phenomenon.
American cities are sinking into the ground
Scientists from Virginia Tech have analysed the impact of satellite radar imagery. It turns out that these 28 American metropolises are indeed sinking. The list includes some of the largest, most renowned cities, with at least 20% of their surfaces experiencing subsidence. In no fewer than 25 cases, this affects more than 65% of the area.
At first glance, the rate of subsidence—ranging from 0.08 to 0.4 inches per year—may not seem alarming. However, it is most pronounced in cities within the state of Texas. In Houston, for example, 40% of the city is sinking at a rate of 0.2 inches per year, while 12% of its surface is subsiding by 0.4 inches annually.
Why are cities in the USA "disappearing before our eyes"?
In 80% of the cases, human activity is responsible for the subsidence of these cities. The primary concern is the excessive extraction of groundwater. As cities continue to develop, this issue may accelerate. Consequently, scientists are advocating for changes in water resource management policies and for increased monitoring of ground subsidence conditions.
The problem of land subsidence is particularly acute in coastal cities, where the threat of sea level rise and flooding is more pronounced. However, infrastructure destabilisation is a risk everywhere, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Uneven subsidence can lead to significant damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and railway tracks.
The study was published on 8 May 2025 in the journal "Nature Cities."
