Sinking Spots: New York City's Rapid Decline
Certain areas in New York City, including LaGuardia Airport, Arthur Ashe Stadium, Interstate 78, and Highway 440, are sinking at a rate of more than 2 millimeters per year, faster than the city's average subsidence of 1.6 millimeters per year, according to a new study. The sinking land exacerbates flooding risks as sea levels rise. The study, which used satellite data, highlights the importance of understanding vertical land motion and its impact on flooding susceptibility. The sinking hotspots were found to be former landfill sites, which compress faster than areas built on solid ground. The study also identified areas where land is rising, such as Brooklyn's East Williamsburg, which could destabilize infrastructure. The researchers plan to expand their analysis to other cities to inform flood risk and city planning.
