Nearly 30 American cities sinking: Urgent study reveals alarming trend
Sometimes it's worth looking at the world from a slightly different perspective. A study was recently published highlighting a significant issue facing the largest cities in the United States: nearly 30 metropolises are sinking into the ground.
The results of the latest study show that as many as 28 American cities are "disappearing before our eyes," sinking into the ground at a rate of almost 0.4 inches per year. This problem affects major cities such as New York and Chicago.
American cities are sinking into the ground
Researchers from Virginia Tech examined the effects of satellite radar data. Their findings reveal that 28 American metropolises are experiencing subsidence. The list includes large, well-known cities where at least 20% of the surface area is sinking. In 25 cases, more than 65% of the area's surface is affected.
At first glance, the rate of sinking—ranging from about 0.08 to 0.4 inches per year—may not seem alarming. However, it occurs most rapidly in cities in Texas. In Houston, 40% of the city is sinking at approximately 0.2 inches per year, while 12% of the city's surface is sinking by 0.4 inches annually.
Why are cities in the USA "disappearing before our eyes"?
In 80% of cases, human activity is responsible for the sinking of cities. The main issue cited is the excessive extraction of groundwater. As cities continue to develop, this problem might worsen. Therefore, scientists are calling for a change in water resource management policies and the monitoring of ground subsidence.
Coastal cities face a significant challenge related to land subsidence, as they are at risk of sea level rise and flooding. However, infrastructure destabilization is a possibility everywhere, increasing the risk of flooding. Uneven settling can damage buildings, roads, bridges, and railways.
The study was published on May 8, 2025, in the journal "Nature Cities."
