Mapping the global threat of land subsidence
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: External Repository
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Subsidence, the lowering of Earth's land surface, is a potentially destructive hazard that can be caused by a wide range of natural or anthropogenic triggers but mainly results from solid or fluid mobilization underground. Subsidence due to groundwater depletion (1) is a slow and gradual process that develops on large time scales (months to years), producing progressive loss of land elevation (centimeters to decimeters per year) typically over very large areas (tens to thousands of square kilometers) and variably affects urban and agricultural areas worldwide. Subsidence permanently reduces aquifer-system storage capacity, causes earth fissures, damages buildings and civil infrastructure, and increases flood susceptibility and risk. During the next decades, global population and economic growth will continue to increase groundwater demand and accompanying groundwater depletion (2) and, when exacerbated by droughts (3), will probably increase land subsidence occurrence and related damages or impacts. To raise awareness and inform decision-making, we evaluate potential global subsidence due to groundwater depletion, a key first step toward formulating effective land-subsidence policies that are lacking in most countries worldwide.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mapping the global threat of land subsidence |
| Series title | Science |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.abb8549 |
| Volume | 371 |
| Issue | 6524 |
| Year Published | 2021 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Association for the Advancement of Science |
| Contributing office(s) | California Water Science Center, WMA - Earth System Processes Division |
| Description | 3 p. |
| First page | 34 |
| Last page | 36 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |