New York City is Sinking
A recent study shows that New York City is sinking at a rate of 1-2 millimeters per year due to subsidence.
A Geological Perspective
According to a recent study published in the journal Earth's Future, New York City appears to be sinking at a rate of a few millimeters yearly. This phenomenon is due to subsidence, where heavy things, like buildings, gradually settle over time or when dramatic changes in the Earth result in things sinking into the ground. This can be for various reasons, but sudden movements in soft sediment or heavy loads pushing down on soft deposits are prime examples.
If the calculations from the study are true, then the city is slowly sinking at a rate of about 1 to 2 millimeters per year. This doesn't sound like much, but it should be noted that this is an average; some parts are sinking much faster. So much so that they are equivalent to the rebound rates of the Earth's crust from glacial melting. The changes to the city's foundation, home to over 8 million people, may pose a threat to its low-lying areas. Therefore, the researchers note, it is crucial to invest in developing mitigation strategies to address the increasing risk of flooding and rising sea levels.