Scientists Warn: Major US Cities Are Sinking, Putting Millions at Risk

A new study has revealed a startling reality—many American cities are slowly sinking, putting millions of people in danger. Researchers warn that this gradual land subsidence, combined with rising sea levels, could lead to severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and transportation chaos.

Published in Nature Cities, the study highlights that at least 20% of urban land across the US is affected by sinking, impacting roughly 34 million residents. Cities like New York, Dallas, Seattle, and Houston are among the most at risk, with Houston showing the highest levels of subsidence.

Experts have issued a warning about New York (Getty Stock Photo)

The main culprit? Excessive groundwater extraction. When too much water is pumped from underground, the land compacts and sinks over time. This problem is especially severe in drought-prone areas, where reliance on groundwater increases.

Leonard Ohenhen, one of the study’s authors, explained that coastal cities face a double threat—sinking land and rising seas. “This combination accelerates flooding risks, shortening the timeline for when cities could face permanent water encroachment,” he said.

The findings urge officials to take action before it’s too late. With thousands of buildings already in high-risk zones, the need for better water management and infrastructure planning has never been more urgent.

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