A recently published study in PNAS Nexus has unveiled disturbing findings, suggesting that the U.S. Atlantic coastline is sinking at rates ranging from one to two millimeters per year. Focusing on cities such as Baltimore, New York, and Norfolk, the research highlights the potential risks posed by subsidence, impacting a significant land area and population.
The study indicates that subsidence rates could lead to catastrophic events in these areas, especially if combined with the anticipated rise in sea levels resulting from the gradual melting of glaciers. Some regions are reported to be experiencing even higher rates, up to five millimeters per year, accentuating the urgency of addressing this phenomenon.
While seemingly incremental, the study underscores the potential consequences of rising sea levels, which could exacerbate the challenges faced by cities already grappling with subsidence. With projections of a possible six-foot sea level rise, iconic U.S. coastal cities may be at risk of significant disruptions.
The researchers emphasize the need for proactive measures to mitigate subsidence, advocating for comprehensive planning to bolster the resilience of communities and infrastructure. The study’s authors warn that these findings have “far-reaching implications for community and infrastructure resilience planning.”
The response from city officials remains uncertain, and the study’s revelations prompt reflection on the future of iconic U.S. coastal cities. Without adequate intervention, the growing risks associated with subsidence could bring about substantial changes to the landscape and population dynamics of cities like New York and Baltimore.
