Scientists have found that some of the world’s largest and busiest coastal cities are sinking.
The scientists even suggested that cities such as New Orleans, Bangkok and Jakarta could eventually sink below sea level unless action is taken.
It’s well known that sea levels are rising, but in some cities the ground is sinking too. Infact the scientists found that in some areas land is sinking ten times faster than the sea level is rising.
North Jakarta in Indonesia has sunk four metres in the last 35 years.
Scientists found this information by using satellites to measure whether the ground is sinking. The satilites are so accurate they can see changes as small as 1mm.
How do you stop a city sinking?
Dr Gilles Erkens, the man who has headed the project, said: “The most rigorous solution and the best one is to stop using and pumping out groundwater for drinking water.”
The city of Tokyo sank two metres before water pumping there was stopped.
Countries who want to follow Tokyo’s example would need to find a new way of sourcing drinking water. That’s not always easy to do.
Article written by Editor
6 Responses
hope my city doesn’t start sinking to
That is so bad. STOP PUMPING GROUNDWATER OR YOULL SINK!!!! 🙁 🙁
oh dear
Wow! That is really scary! I hope my city isn’t sinking too….
I hope they don’t sink but that is out of this world scary and what else can they do to get water
THAT IS GOOD I REALLY HATE POLLUTION AND ON THE PLUS SIDE FOR ME I DONT EVEN LIVE IN A CITY!