Coastal cities face challenges related to sea level rise. However, a new study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, valued 99 locations around the world and revealed that some major cities are sinking even faster than the sea level around them It is increasing.
Researchers have highlighted that some of them are sinking at alarming rates due to a process called subsidence, in which the ground settles and compacts due to changes in materials beneath the Earth’s surface.
Subsidence is often accelerated by human activities, such as groundwater pumping and rapid construction, causing the ground in the vast majority of these cities to sink by several millimeters per year. Discover ten cities that face this problem and sink more every year.
10.Houston, United States
Houston, US, is sinking at a rate of 1.95 centimeters per year, putting a strain on its infrastructure and requiring adaptation measures to cope with flooding.
9. Kerala, India
Kerala, India, faces subsidence of 1.96 centimeters per year, making it vulnerable to coastal flooding and challenges related to sea level rise.
8. Kobe, Japan
Kobe, Japan, is experiencing a gradual sinking of 2.26 centimeters per year. It’s another coastal city that is looking for solutions to ensure its resilience to flooding.
7. Chatigao, Bangladesh
Chatigão, Bangladesh, is sinking at a rate of 2.35 centimeters per year. This subsidence increases the city’s vulnerability to coastal flooding.
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
The Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, experiences a subsidence of 2.44 centimeters per year. The city is taking measures to address the flooding that threatens its population.
5. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is sinking at a rate of 2.81 centimeters per year. This process of constant subsidence is worrying for the city, which faces significant flood-related challenges.
4. Shanghai, China
Shanghai, one of China’s largest cities, faces a sinking rate of 2.94 centimeters per year, ranking fourth on the list of the fastest sinking cities in the world.
3. Jakarta, Indonesia
Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, is sinking at a rate of 3.44 centimeters per year. The Indonesian government is taking drastic measures, including relocating the capital, due to the accelerating process of subsidence.
2. Samarão, Indonesia
Samarão, Indonesia, faces a subsidence rate of 3.96 centimeters per year, making it vulnerable to flooding. Overpumping of groundwater is a major contributor to this problem.
1. Tianjin, China
Tianjin, China, is currently the city with the highest sinking rate in the world, at 5.22 centimeters per year. This alarming number is partly attributed to human activities, including groundwater extraction.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
