"American Samoa Island Sinking After Devastating Earthquake"

A study by NASA researchers highlights the sinking of American Samoa island in the South Pacific Ocean, exacerbated by a powerful earthquake in 2009 and rising sea levels. The study emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action to aid small islands facing the risk of disappearing due to the rising ocean surface. The researchers used satellite and terrestrial observations to measure land subsidence, revealing an annual average subsidence of 6 mm to 9 mm between 2015 and 2022. The study aims to provide insights for protecting vulnerable small islands and their populations from the impacts of climate change.