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Big cities are sinking in the US. Is yours one?
- A recent study revealed that all major US cities are sinking due to groundwater extraction and other factors, impacting 34 million people.
- As aquifers are depleted without replenishment, the land sinks causing infrastructure integrity issues over time.
- The sinking rate ranges from 2 to 10 millimeters annually, with Houston sinking the fastest among US cities.
- Unequal sinking poses risks to buildings and roads, especially in densely populated urban cores.
- Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, and Forth Worth are particularly affected, with 80% of sinking attributed to groundwater extraction.
- Oil and gas extraction, glacial legacy, and building weight also contribute to land subsidence in cities.
- Mitigation strategies suggested include groundwater management, resilient infrastructure planning, and retrofitting buildings in high-risk areas.
- Long-term monitoring and adaptation are necessary to address the sinking issue in urban centers.
- The study urges proactive measures to combat sinking cities and emphasizes the importance of immediate responses and solutions.
- Groundwater extraction and various factors are causing the sinking of major US cities, urging the need for monitoring and mitigation strategies.
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