Chinese cities are sinking into the Earth and the reason is shocking

A total population of 700 million people reside in the cities that were found to be sinking into Earth. Source: Canva

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In a startling revelation, scientists have found that numerous cities in China are gradually sinking into the earth. This phenomenon, known as land subsidence , has been observed in nearly half of China’s major cities, according to a comprehensive study conducted by over 50 Chinese scientists.Land subsidence is the gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface owing to subsurface movement of earth materials.The study, which utilized radar observations and was published in a prominent scientific journal, indicates that this issue is widespread and could have significant implications for urban planning , infrastructure development , and the safety of millions of residents.The research assessed land subsidence across 82 cities in China, encompassing a collective population of nearly 700 million people. The findings are alarming: 45% of these cities are experiencing subsidence of more than 0.1 inches (3 millimeters) per year, with some cities witnessing a decline of more than 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) annually. This rate of sinking poses a serious risk to infrastructure and could exacerbate the effects of flooding, especially in low-lying coastal areas.The causes of this subsidence are multifaceted. One significant factor is the extraction of groundwater, which is common in urban areas for drinking water and industrial use. When groundwater is removed, the soil compacts and settles, leading to a decrease in ground level. Additionally, the weight of buildings and infrastructure contributes to the sinking of cities, particularly in regions where the geological foundation is not robust enough to support such loads.Cities like Beijing and Tianjin , which are among the affected, are experiencing the consequences of rapid urbanization and industrial growth. High-rise buildings and expanding road systems are putting additional pressure on the land, which, combined with groundwater depletion, is leading to significant subsidence.The implications of this study are far-reaching. Urban planners and policymakers must consider the risks of land subsidence when designing and constructing new infrastructure. Building codes may need to be revised to account for the additional risk of sinking, and measures to mitigate the extraction of groundwater should be implemented.Moreover, the sinking of cities could have a profound impact on China’s ability to cope with climate change. As sea levels rise, the subsidence of coastal cities will make them more vulnerable to flooding and other natural disasters. This could lead to displacement of populations, economic losses, and a range of social issues.The sinking of Chinese cities is a wake-up call for the global community. It highlights the need for sustainable urban development practices that take into account the long-term health of our cities and the safety of their inhabitants. As China continues to grow and urbanize, addressing the challenge of land subsidence will be crucial for ensuring the resilience and prosperity of its urban centers.'