The Subterranean Threat: Climate Change's Silent Hazard in Major Cities

A new study from Northwestern University suggests that climate change is causing the ground beneath cities to deform and potentially lead to infrastructure damage. The study, which quantifies the effects of underground climate change on civil infrastructure, found that heat is causing the ground to contract and expand, leading to cracks in buildings and foundations. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon, known as "subsurface heat islands," which can have environmental, public health, and transportation implications. The study highlights the need for infrastructure designs that can withstand temperature variations caused by climate change.