New Study Reveals New York City Metropolitan Area Sinking at Alarming Rate
Scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University have recently conducted a study that unearths alarming findings about the sinking of the New York City metropolitan area. According to the study, the region is sinking at an average rate of 0.06 inches per year, posing significant risks to flooding and other potential disasters.
The study, which analyzed the vertical land motion of the area from 2016 to 2023 using interferometric synthetic aperture radar, reveals that certain parts of the city are experiencing rapid sinking. Notable locations affected include the world-famous Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens and the bustling LaGuardia Airport. Additionally, communities in New Jersey, specifically Newark, Kearny, and Harrison, are also experiencing sinking ground.
While some areas are sinking, the study also uncovers uplifting news for certain neighborhoods. Parts of Brooklyn’s East Williamsburg and Queens’ Woodside neighborhoods are actually rising. These mixed elevation changes add to the complexity and urgency of addressing the region’s sinking issues.
The sinking of the New York City metropolitan area is attributed to various factors, including land modifications such as land reclamation and the construction of landfills. These human-made changes have contributed to the ground becoming looser and more compressible, resulting in subsidence.
The consequences of sinking ground in a city like New York cannot be underestimated, particularly in light of rising sea levels. The study reveals that the sea level at The Battery in Manhattan has been steadily increasing at a rate of 0.17 inches per year. The combination of sinking land and rising sea levels paints a worrying picture for the city’s future.
As a result of these concerning findings, the study emphasizes the urgent need for mitigation strategies to address the region’s flood risks. This is especially crucial given the ongoing construction of high-rise buildings in coastal, river, or lakefront settings. The importance of proactive planning and infrastructure development to counteract the sinking of the region cannot be overlooked.
These findings come at a time when New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to heavy rain and flash floods in Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. The urgency to address the sinking issue and mitigate flood risks is further magnified by these recent events.
In conclusion, the recent study by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University has shed light on the sinking of the New York City metropolitan area. The study’s findings highlight the pressing need for action to mitigate flood risks, given the region’s sinking ground and rising sea levels. Urgent planning and infrastructure development are essential to safeguard the city and its communities from the potentially devastating consequences of sinking land.
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