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Mexico City is sinking so quickly, it can be seen from space

5 hours ago
  • #satellite-imagery
  • #subsidence
  • #groundwater
  • Mexico City is sinking at an annual rate of nearly 10 inches (25 cm), making it one of the world's fastest-subsiding cities.
  • The sinking is due to extensive groundwater pumping and urban development on an ancient lake bed, leading to aquifer shrinkage and a chronic water crisis.
  • Subsidence is visible from space via NASA's NISAR satellite, with some areas sinking 0.78 inches (2 cm) monthly, damaging infrastructure like subways and buildings.
  • Researchers hope satellite data will help mitigate effects, track global changes, and improve disaster alerts, while officials have begun funding more studies.