Mexico City Is Sinking So Quickly, It Can Be Seen from Space

Mexico City is experiencing alarming subsidence, sinking nearly 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) annually. Recent satellite data released by NASA highlights this issue, categorizing it as one of the fastest rates of land subsidence in the world.

The city, built on a drained ancient lake bed, covers approximately 7,800 square kilometers and houses around 22 million residents. The extensive groundwater extraction to support this large population has resulted in significant depletion of the aquifer. This long-standing practice has led to visible effects on buildings and infrastructure, with many historic structures, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, showing signs of tilting.

According to Enrique Cabral, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the subsidence affects critical urban infrastructure, including the subway system and water facilities. In some areas, the average subsidence rate can reach up to 2 centimeters (approximately 0.78 inches) per month, with the main airport and the well-known Angel of Independence monument being notably impacted.

The data collected by NASA’s NISAR satellite, which monitors real-time changes on the Earth's surface, serves to illuminate the extent of the problem. Paul Rosen, a NISAR scientist, states that this technology provides a detailed understanding of urban changes, allowing for more effective planning and warning systems for future geological events.

The Mexican government has historically neglected the subsidence issue, focusing mainly on stabilizing some well-known landmarks. However, the increasing frequency of crises related to water supply has prompted more recent investments in research and mitigation efforts to understand and combat the ongoing issues.

In summary, the situation underscores the need for comprehensive studies and interventions to address both subsidence and the consequential water crisis facing Mexico City.