Denver, Dallas among the Major U.S. Cities Sinking into the Ground

image via New Scientist

May 8, 2025, 12:37 PM

• •All 28 of the most populous U.S. cities are sinking, increasing flood risks and damaging infrastructure.
• •Groundwater extraction is a major cause of the subsidence.
• •The study used satellite data to measure ground deformation, finding varying rates within cities.
• •Differential sinking rates can tilt buildings and cause damage.
• •Subsidence creates "subsidence bowls" that trap water and worsen flooding.
• •80% of the sinking is linked to groundwater extraction, emphasizing the need to manage water resources.

A recent study published in Nature Cities reveals that all 28 of the most populous cities in the U.S. are experiencing land subsidence. This sinking poses a growing threat to infrastructure and heightens the risk of flooding. The primary driver of this phenomenon is the extraction of groundwater. The study, utilizing satellite data, underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management practices to mitigate the risks associated with this widespread issue.

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