Recent research reveals that major cities in Texas, including Houston, are experiencing significant land subsidence, with sinking rates exceeding 10 millimeters annually. This poses risks such as structural damage to buildings and increased vulnerability to flooding. The study highlights that 25 other U.S. cities are similarly affected, putting over 34 million people at risk. Groundwater extraction plays a central role in this subsidence, causing land compaction and threatening urban infrastructure. The findings raise concerns about unseen dangers that could escalate the impact of natural disasters like storms and earthquakes.
"Land subsidence is often invisible-until it isn't... It's a quiet hazard, but its effects accumulate, potentially amplifying damage during storms or earthquakes."
"Every few millimeters that a city sinks can cause cracks in roads or tilt building foundations, and make that region more vulnerable to extreme flooding."
"Cities can sink for a few reasons... But the most common cause for cities sinking lower and lower-a process known as subsidence-is groundwater extraction."
"Twenty-five other major cities-from New York and San Francisco to Boston and Oklahoma City-are also sinking, according to a new study, putting more than 34 million people at risk."
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