Mexico City Sinking at Alarming Rate Visible From Space
Mexico City is experiencing alarming subsidence, sinking at a rate of nearly 10 inches annually, a phenomenon observable even from space. This rapid sinking is primarily attributed to extensive groundwater pumping exacerbated by urban development, which has depleted the city’s aquifer. The consequence is significant damage to critical infrastructure, including the subway and water systems, and a worsening water crisis. New satellite imagery from NASA is providing unprecedented detail on these changes, aiding researchers in understanding and planning mitigation strategies for this century-old problem.
John Q. Hosedrinker