In large cities, even small deviations at the level of the world can lead to expensive infrastructure damage, only to be detected when they can be disaster.
According to the new satellite study, all 28 in the most popular cities of the United States are gradually drowning. According to Sciencealert, this is due to urbanization pressure, changes in groundwater level, drought or increased sea level, depending on the region.
In each of the cities studied, at least 20% of urban territory showed signs of subsidence between 2015 and 2021. And in 25 cities less than 28 over 65% of territorial bananas. In general, we are talking about 34 million Americans -about 12% of the US population living in areas where the ground is slowly sinking.
The most vulnerable are Megalopolis such as Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Denver, Charlotte and Columbia. In some places, subsidence exceeds 5 mm per year – a critical indicator that can cause cracks in roads, buildings and bridges, as well as increased flood risk. In Houston, more than 40% of the territory falls faster than 5 mm per year, and 12% – by 10 mm faster. The main causes are excessive pumping out of groundwater and oil and gas production.
In New York, Las Vegas and Washington, where uneven subsidence, risks are still rising. Even small deviations at soil levels can lead to expensive infrastructure damage, which only notices when they can be catastrophic.
The study revealed more than 29 thousand buildings in high -risk zones. Scientists suggest that changes in groundwater levels are of key importance in these processes. This means that restrictions on pumping water from underground tanks will help slow down.
The solutions to the problem for each city will be individual: some will require improved drainage systems, other – strengthening or raising soils. The coast, where sea levels grow, requires protection systems from salty water and storms.
The study has been published in the journal Nature Cities.
We will remind you, earlier reported that the city was named, which sank faster than anyone in the world.
The appearance of mysterious cracks in the ground and the buildings are investigated in Crete
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.