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Major US Cities Sinking at Alarming Rates: Satellite Data Reveals Subsidence Risks
A study using Sentinel satellite data reveals significant land subsidence in major US cities, with Houston sinking up to 5 centimeters and Las Vegas/Phoenix up to 9 centimeters annually, due to oil/gas extraction, groundwater pumping, and rising sea levels, posing risks of flooding and infrastructure damage.
- What are the primary causes and rates of land subsidence in major US cities, and what immediate impacts are observed?
- American geoscientists, using data from European Sentinel satellites, found that major US cities are sinking. Houston is subsiding up to 5 centimeters annually; Las Vegas and Phoenix, up to 9 centimeters. This widespread subsidence, affecting 18,000 square kilometers, is difficult to measure using traditional methods.
- How do the identified causes of land subsidence vary geographically across the United States, and what are the specific contributing factors in different regions?
- The subsidence is attributed to various factors: oil and gas extraction in Texas creates underground cavities; groundwater pumping in western states compresses the ground; and rising sea levels impact coastal cities. The study used interferometric analysis of radar data from multiple satellite passes for precise measurement.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this widespread land subsidence for urban infrastructure and populations, and what mitigation strategies should be considered?
- The significant land subsidence in numerous major US cities poses substantial risks. Increased flood risk due to heavy rainfall and structural damage to buildings and infrastructure are likely consequences. This necessitates proactive mitigation strategies to prevent future damage.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's headline and introduction create a sense of urgency and alarm by focusing on the dramatic aspects of land subsidence ("Versinken nordamerikanische Großstädte...", "...die größten Städte..."). This framing might overemphasize the severity of the problem while neglecting a more nuanced discussion of regional variations and mitigation efforts.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, relying on scientific data and measurements. However, phrases like "flüssigen Goldes" (liquid gold) to describe oil could be considered slightly loaded, though this is relatively mild.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on land subsidence in major US cities but omits discussion of potential contributing factors beyond oil/gas extraction and groundwater pumping, such as urbanization and its effects on soil compaction. It also doesn't mention any governmental responses or mitigation strategies. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully understand the problem's complexity and potential solutions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view by focusing primarily on oil/gas extraction and groundwater pumping as causes without fully exploring the interplay of these factors with other geological and anthropogenic influences. It doesn't sufficiently consider the diverse geographical contexts of the affected cities.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights land subsidence in major US cities, impacting urban infrastructure and increasing flood risks. This directly relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The land sinking causes damage to buildings and infrastructure, threatening the safety and resilience of urban areas. The increased flood risk due to subsidence further undermines the sustainability of these cities.