New Study Reveals Parts of New York City Are Slowly Sinking

    A recent study conducted by a team of NASA and Rutgers researchers has shed light on an intriguing phenomenon in the city that never sleeps – parts of New York City are sinking, albeit at a gradual pace. While this may not be cause for immediate alarm, it is a trend that scientists are closely monitoring. Sharon Crowley caught up with one of the scientists behind the study to learn more about this unique situation.


    The study has identified specific locations along the city's coastline that are sinking at varying rates, with some areas experiencing more noticeable subsidence. While the sinking is occurring at fractions of inches per year, it still warrants attention due to its potential implications.

    Brett Bizanga, an earth scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is part of the research team that conducted an analysis of vertical land motion in the New York City metropolitan area from 2016 to 2023. According to Bizanga, the areas that are sinking the fastest are those built on landfill. Notable locations in this category include the Holland Tunnel, Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, the southern part of Governor's Island, Battery Park City, and LaGuardia Airport.

    The sinking of certain areas has practical consequences, as seen with the Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium, which had to construct a special roof to address this issue. Understanding these sinking patterns can be valuable for city planners, particularly in the context of flood prevention and management.

    One crucial takeaway from this study is that the sinking rates are not uniform across the city. Hence, it is essential to allocate resources efficiently and tailor strategies to address specific areas' needs. By doing so, New York City can better adapt to these subtle but significant changes in its landscape.

    As for why this sinking is happening, scientists attribute it to a combination of factors, both human-induced and natural, dating back to the ice age. Understanding the interplay between these forces can help us navigate and plan for the future of this dynamic city.

    In summary, while the gradual sinking of parts of New York City may not be an imminent crisis, it is a noteworthy phenomenon that underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and planning for the city's evolving landscape.



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