Tuesday, 22 Jul 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • House
  • VIDEO
  • ScienceAlert
  • White
  • Watch
  • Trumps
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > 28 Most Populous US Cities Are Sinking, New Survey Finds : ScienceAlert
Tech and Science

28 Most Populous US Cities Are Sinking, New Survey Finds : ScienceAlert

Last updated: May 8, 2025 2:05 am
Share
28 Most Populous US Cities Are Sinking, New Survey Finds : ScienceAlert
SHARE

Major US Cities Are Sinking Due to Urbanization and Climate Change, Study Finds

Recent satellite radar research has revealed a concerning trend in the United States – the land in major cities is sinking at an alarming rate. This phenomenon is attributed to a combination of urbanization, drought, and rising sea levels, impacting the 28 most populous cities in the country.

According to the study, conducted between 2015 and 2021, at least 20 percent of urban land in every city analyzed has experienced some degree of subsidence. In 25 out of the 28 cities, more than 65 percent of the land is showing signs of sinking.

With a combined population of nearly 34 million people, these sinking cities are facing a gradual but significant threat that needs to be addressed promptly.

Geophysicist Leonard Ohenhen, who has been studying subsidence rates in the US, highlighted the importance of addressing this issue, stating that subsidence is often overshadowed by global sea level rise but plays a crucial role in the increasing water levels along the eastern coast.

The study identified cities like Chicago, Dallas, New York, and Houston as having significant portions of sinking land, with some areas experiencing rapid subsidence rates exceeding 2 millimeters per year. In Texas, cities like Fort Worth, Dallas, and Houston are particularly affected, with an average subsidence rate of over 4 mm per year.

While subsidence rates above 5 mm per year are considered a cause for concern, even lower rates can pose risks to infrastructure integrity, especially if the sinking is uneven across different areas of a city. This can lead to structural damage, including cracks in buildings, roads, and bridges, as well as increased flooding potential.

See also  Worsening Heat Could Trigger Mental Health Crisis in Coming Decades : ScienceAlert

The researchers estimated that more than 29,000 buildings in major US cities are currently at high risk of damage due to subsidence, highlighting the latent nature of this threat that could lead to catastrophic consequences if left unaddressed.

Houston emerged as the fastest-sinking city among the 28 studied, with over 40 percent of its land subsiding at a rate exceeding 5 mm per year. Factors contributing to this include long-term groundwater extraction and oil and gas activities.

The study suggests that cities can potentially mitigate subsidence by reducing groundwater extraction, but the solution for each city is complex and depends on various factors such as size, geology, and specific threats. Coastal cities may need to focus on protection from rising sea levels, while flood-prone cities may require improved drainage systems.

Ultimately, the goal is to make coastlines more resilient to the effects of subsidence and climate change. By utilizing data from studies like this, cities can better plan for the future and safeguard their infrastructure from the impacts of sinking land.

The findings of this research were published in the journal Nature Cities, emphasizing the urgency of addressing subsidence in major urban centers across the US.

TAGGED:CitiesfindsPopulousScienceAlertSinkingSurvey
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Matthew Courtney, Downtown Artist Who Platformed Others, Dies at 66 Matthew Courtney, Downtown Artist Who Platformed Others, Dies at 66
Next Article Why are all of America’s biggest cities sinking? Why are all of America’s biggest cities sinking?
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Crafts Made From Found Fall Foliage

Twig Picture Frame Photo: Deschanel Gordon/Kids Craft Room Turn found twigs into a rustic and…

October 22, 2024

How Today’s Egg Prices Scrambled Traditional Economic Theories

Late one night in 1989, economist Jeffrey Sachs found himself in a smoke-filled room of…

March 5, 2025

Jofra Archer copies Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling action during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 training [Watch]

Rajasthan Royals (RR) pacer Jofra Archer made headlines recently for his playful imitation of Chennai…

May 20, 2025

Eva Longoria Sizzles in Pink Bikini During Family Beach Day in Spain

eva longoria pretty in pink For Beach Day in Spain Published June 29, 2025 8:52…

June 29, 2025

Young bats develop a ‘caller ID’ to avoid poisonous prey

The results were surprising and fascinating, showing that these bats have a remarkable ability to…

April 29, 2025

You Might Also Like

Cleaner air has increased the number of city heatwaves
Tech and Science

Cleaner air has increased the number of city heatwaves

July 22, 2025
Etsy faces user boycott over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ branded products
Tech and Science

Etsy faces user boycott over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ branded products

July 22, 2025
Screen addiction affects teens’ mental health. How to spot it, and help
Tech and Science

Screen addiction affects teens’ mental health. How to spot it, and help

July 22, 2025
Nothing Announces CMF Watch Pro 3 Budget Smartwatch
Tech and Science

Nothing Announces CMF Watch Pro 3 Budget Smartwatch

July 22, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?