The 28 main cities in the United States They registered a slow but constant land descentaccording to a recent investigation published by a Group of scientists of the Columbia Climate School. This phenomenon, known as soil sinkingit affects both coastal and Interior regionswhere the risk was believed to be less.
The study identified that the main cause of this phenomenon is excess groundwater extraction. As aquifers lose water at a rate greater than their ability to renew, The soil collapses for the lack of supportwhich causes the surface to sink progressively.
Leonard Ohenhenqualified scientist and main author of the report, he explained: “As cities continue to grow, We will see how more cities expand to sinking regions”
“Over time, this sinking can generate infrastructure tensions that will exceed their security limit, ”added the specialist, highlighting his concern for what may happen.
Cities like Houston and Las Vegas are among the most affected
Among the most alarming cases, the city of Houstonin Texaspresented more than 40% of its territory sinking at a rate higher than 5 millimeters per year. In certain specific areas, the water level descended to 5 centimeters per yeara clear sign of the impact of overexploitation of water resources.
Other critical points are Dallas, Fort Worth, Las Vegas and the Laguardia airport in New Yorkwhere the sinking also advances to worrying rhythms. The report indicates that approximately the 80% of soil movement It is directly linked to the intensive use of groundwater.
The sinking is not exclusive to coastal areas
Although the increase in sea level It is usually one of the first explanations before these phenomena, the study denied that this is an exclusive problem of coastal cities. Even Interior Regions of the United States They evidenced the same patterns of sinking.
To water extraction other factors such as oil and gas exploitation in the state of Texasas well as the geological sequelae of ancients glaciers in places like Chicago and New Yorkwhich still affect the stability of the land.
Satellite technology to measure the phenomenon
The researchers used High -resolution satellite images to follow the movement of the land with millimeter precision. They created one detailed grid which allowed analyzing the elevation changes in each of the cities studied.
In 25 of the 28 citiesat least two thirds of the surface showed sinking indications. In several sectors, the process occurred acceleratedly, which generates greater risks for urban infrastructure such as Buildings, roads and iron lines.
The impact and risks for the US infrastructure
One of the most critical aspects of the phenomenon is that It does not affect all areas equally within a city. While some areas sink rapidly, others may even begin to rise again due to the Water recharge near rivers or other water sources. This Inequality in the movement of the terrain It can damage the bases of urban structures.
“Unlike the sinking hazards related to flooding, where The risks manifest only when high sinking rates reduce land elevation Below a critical threshold, damage to the infrastructure induced by sinking can occur even with minor changes in the movement of the land, ”the report concluded.
Despite the worrying of the data, the team of researchers said that it is still possible to mitigate the effects if the cities take preventive actions. Ohenhen He urged local governments to use this information to develop adaptation strategies.
“Instead of simply saying that it is a problem, we can answer, address it, mitigate and adapt,” he said. “We have to move towards solutions”
This study represents a clear warning for those responsible for the Urban planning and the Water resource managementsince the Sinking of the terrain It could affect the future of millions of people if you do not act immediately.
Source: Ambito
