New York one of 28 US cities ‘sinking’ every year, worrying new study finds
A study by Virginia Tech reveals that all 28 major U.S. cities examined—including New York, Houston, and Los Angeles—are sinking, affecting over 34 million people. While subsidence rates vary, some areas, like parts of Houston, are dropping by up to 10 millimeters per year due to groundwater extraction and urban weight. The research warns that even minor sinking can damage infrastructure over time, putting thousands of buildings at risk.
The issue isn’t unique to the U.S.—coastal cities worldwide, like Jakarta, face similar threats. Experts warn that sinking land, combined with rising sea levels, could be more dangerous than flooding alone. Without intervention, urban infrastructure may suffer silent, irreversible damage, leading to costly repairs or even relocation efforts. The findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management and urban planning.
