Research Detailed Widespread US Coastal Subsidence

A study analyzed vertical land motion data for US coastlines between 2007 and 2020.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Geography

Isometric editorial illustration showing a concrete sea wall and exposed coastal sediment layers, representing geological subsidence along the United States shoreline. — A new geological study found that over 71 percent of U.S. coastal regions are sinking, potentially compromising levees and sea walls for millions of residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Researchers found that 71.5 percent of US coastal areas subsided faster than 0.1 centimeters per year between 2007 and 2020. The study identified that 84.3 million people live in areas affected by this vertical land motion.

Why it matters

Land subsidence reduces the protective effectiveness of critical infrastructure like levees, sea walls, and drainage systems. This geological shift is driven by a combination of natural sediment compaction and human groundwater pumping.

Using 190 million data points, researchers determined 43 percent of the US coast sinks by 0.2 centimeters or more annually, while 23.3 percent subsides by at least 0.3 centimeters per year.

The players

Communications Earth & Environment

This scientific journal published the research detailing findings on vertical land motion.

The details

The analysis relied on satellite radar signals bounced off the ground to measure precise changes in land levels across the nation. While the Gulf Coast experiences the highest rates of sinking, the study notes varying geological activity across East and West Coast regions.

Researchers analyzed vertical land motion data between 2007 and 2020.

The Big Picture

This study updates the physical baseline for coastal elevation established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's relative sea level trend monitoring. The findings shift the focus from solely sea-level rise to the combined impact of sinking land on coastal vulnerability.

As land sinks, coastal communities may face increased flood risks that impact the long-term utility of local infrastructure like drainage systems and sea walls. These findings suggest that property owners in affected tracts may need to account for changing elevation levels in future climate adaptation planning.

The takeaway

Understanding how fast land is sinking provides a clearer picture of coastal flood risk than looking at sea-level rise alone. Residents in high-subsidence regions like the Gulf Coast should monitor local municipal reports regarding the integrity of nearby levees and coastal defenses.