Land Subsidence Along the U.S. Atlantic Coast: A Growing Threat to Infrastructure and Communities

Introduction

As the waves of the Atlantic lap against the eastern shores of the United States, a hidden menace lurks beneath the surface, threatening to reshape the landscape and imperil coastal communities. Land subsidence, the gradual sinking of the land surface, is an insidious process that has emerged as a serious and growing threat to infrastructure, property, and communities along the Atlantic coast. This phenomenon, often overshadowed by the more visible impacts of sea level rise, is occurring at an alarming rate in some areas, outpacing global averages and posing significant risks that demand immediate attention.

Key Findings

A groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences has shed light on the alarming extent of land subsidence along the U.S. Atlantic coast. The study’s findings reveal that several major population centers, including New York City and Long Island, Baltimore, and Virginia Beach and Norfolk, are experiencing rapid subsidence. These areas, home to millions of people and countless critical infrastructure assets, face an escalating risk to roadways, runways, building foundations, rail lines, and pipelines due to the sinking land.

Data and Methodology

The study’s compelling findings are the result of meticulous analysis of vast amounts of data collected by space-based radar satellites. These satellites, equipped with advanced technology, provide highly accurate measurements of the Earth’s surface elevation. By analyzing millions of data points spanning multiple years, researchers were able to construct digital terrain maps that depict the extent and severity of land subsidence along the Atlantic coast. These maps serve as a stark reminder of the imminent threat posed by this phenomenon.

Results

The groundbreaking maps created through satellite data analysis reveal a sobering reality: a large area of the East Coast is sinking at least 2 millimeters per year. However, the situation is even more dire in several areas along the mid-Atlantic coast, where subsidence rates exceed 5 millimeters per year, affecting an area spanning up to 3,700 square kilometers. These rates of subsidence are alarmingly higher than the current global rate of sea level rise, which stands at 4 millimeters per year. The study estimates that more than 2 million people and 800,000 properties on the East Coast are currently affected by subsidence rates of 2 millimeters per year, highlighting the widespread nature of this threat.

Implications and Concerns

The ongoing subsidence along the Atlantic coast poses a significant risk to infrastructure, including roads, runways, rail lines, and pipelines. As the land sinks, these vital transportation and utility networks are subjected to increased strain and potential damage. Moreover, sinking land can lead to flooding, erosion, and other hazards that can damage property and threaten communities. The gradual nature of subsidence can make it difficult to recognize and address the problem, leading to complacency and inadequate maintenance of infrastructure. This neglect can exacerbate the risks posed by subsidence, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.

Conclusion

The study’s findings serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for coastal communities to take action to address the threat of land subsidence. It is imperative that investments be made in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to ensure the resilience of transportation networks and critical infrastructure. Additionally, coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and levees, can help mitigate the impacts of subsidence and sea level rise. Furthermore, communities must develop strategies to adapt to the changing landscape, including land use planning and zoning regulations that take subsidence into account. By taking proactive steps now, communities can mitigate the risks posed by subsidence and protect their infrastructure and residents from the impacts of this growing threat.