Global Cities Have Sunk in Satellite Study
Researchers measured land subsidence across 465 cities, revealing significant ground movement fueled by groundwater extraction.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Geography
Live Poll
Should your local government restrict groundwater pumping to help prevent the ground from sinking?
A comprehensive study using satellite radar data tracked land subsidence in 465 cities across 107 countries between 2014 and 2023. The findings highlight how ground movement threatens urban infrastructure and increases flood risks worldwide.
Why it matters
Understanding these sinking patterns is essential for urban planning as human activities, primarily the pumping of groundwater, continue to destabilize city foundations. Identifying these high-risk areas allows officials to implement better water management and infrastructure protection.
The study utilized satellite radar observations from 2014 to 2023 to measure ground movement in cities with over 1 million residents. Sinking rates ranged from 217 millimeters per year in parts of Mexico City to 0.1 to 1.9 millimeters in cities like London and Tokyo.
The players
Nature Cities
This is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on the complex challenges facing urban environments globally.
The details
Land subsidence occurs when ground settles due to natural sediment compaction or human-induced groundwater extraction. While some cities show minimal movement, others like Medan, Indonesia, recorded a median sinking rate of 33 millimeters annually, raising urgent concerns for local flood defenses.
Timeline
Satellite data was collected between 2014 and 2023.
The study was published in Nature Cities on October 12, 2026.
The Big Picture
This study shifts the scientific understanding of urban stability by moving beyond localized observations toward a standardized, global map of land movement. It establishes a new baseline for monitoring subsidence that could redefine future civil engineering requirements in vulnerable regions.
In high-subsidence areas, residents may see shifts in infrastructure spending toward flood prevention and ground stabilization. The study provides data that could eventually influence building codes and local groundwater management policies in major urban centers.
The takeaway
Proactive groundwater management and replenishment are critical to slowing the rate of subsidence in affected cities. Homeowners and planners in high-sinking regions should prioritize assessments of foundation stability and flood risk to mitigate long-term damage.
Further reading
Learn more about the environmental factors influencing urban land use in our Geography section.
Live Poll
Should your local government restrict groundwater pumping to help prevent the ground from sinking?
