New research has shown that cities across the US are using groundwater faster than it can replenish, causing them to sink.
A recent study published in Nature Cities investigates land subsidence across 28 of the most populous U.S. cities, revealing that both natural and human-induced factors contribute to ground-level changes that threaten urban infrastructure. Utilizing high-resolution interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from Sentinel-1 satellites, researchers mapped vertical land motion at approximately 28-meter resolution between 2015 and 2021.
The findings indicate that subsidence is prevalent nationwide, with notable hotspots in cities such as Houston, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and parts of the Mississippi Delta, where annual sinking rates can reach up to 9 centimeters. These changes are primarily driven by groundwater extraction, oil and gas activities, sediment compaction, and permafrost thawing. Additionally, natural processes like glacial isostatic adjustment and tectonic activity contribute to subsidence in regions including the East and West Coasts and Alaska.
The study highlights the challenges posed by the spatial variability and multifactorial nature of subsidence, which complicate infrastructure resilience and urban planning efforts. Traditional point-based observation methods, such as GPS and leveling, offer limited spatial coverage, making it difficult to capture localized land motion variations. In contrast, satellite-based InSAR observations provide comprehensive, high-resolution data essential for assessing urban vulnerabilities. The research underscores the urgency for cities to implement targeted monitoring and mitigation strategies, particularly in areas experiencing rapid subsidence due to human activities. Proactive measures, including sustainable groundwater management and infrastructure adaptation, are critical to address the escalating risks associated with land subsidence in urban environments.
“Land subsidence resulting from excessive groundwater extraction is a challenge that not only affects urban infrastructures but also rural communities and agricultural operations. In regions where agriculture is intensive, the overuse of groundwater has led to significant land sinking, disrupting ecosystems and threatening the viability of farming practices,” shares Andrew Coppin, CEO of Ranchbot.
Land subsidence can significantly affect food and cattle production in Texas by disrupting the natural and built systems that support agriculture. When the ground sinks due to factors like groundwater overuse or oil and gas extraction—both common in Texas—it can damage irrigation infrastructure, such as canals and pipelines, leading to reduced water availability or distribution inefficiencies. Subsidence can also degrade soil quality by altering drainage patterns and increasing salinity, which lowers crop yields and affects the types of crops that can be grown. In some areas, it can even lead to permanent flooding or waterlogging of farmland, rendering it unusable.
For cattle producers, subsidence poses risks to both grazing land and water access. As land shifts, it can lead to cracked or unstable terrain, making it harder to manage pastureland and increasing the risk of injuries to livestock. It may also disrupt water wells or surface water sources that ranchers rely on for cattle, particularly during droughts. With Texas being a leading state in both crop and cattle production, continued subsidence without intervention could raise operating costs, reduce productivity, and threaten long-term agricultural sustainability.
Companies like Ranchbot offer unique tools to address water management for ranchers.
“Ranchers and farmers play a pivotal role in groundwater management. Tools like Ranchbot offer a practical solution by providing near real-time water level monitoring in wells, tanks and troughs. Utilizing satellite connectivity, Ranchbot enables users to monitor well levels and flow rates to determine true water consumption, and the impacts water consumption has on wells to manage water resources efficiently, even in remote locations” Coppin states.
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions is an agtech company based in Fort Worth, Texas, specializing in remote water monitoring systems designed to help ranchers manage water resources more efficiently. Their products utilize satellite connectivity and GPS technology to provide near real-time data on water levels, flow rates, and pump operations, all accessible through the MyRanchbot platform. This technology enables ranchers to monitor tanks, troughs, pumps, and pipelines remotely, reducing the need for manual checks and helping to prevent issues like leaks or equipment failures. By automating water management tasks, Ranchbot aims to save time, reduce labor and fuel costs, and enhance the sustainability of ranching operations.
“By integrating these technologies, agricultural stakeholders can make informed decisions, reduce unnecessary water extraction, and contribute to the broader effort of preserving our groundwater reserves. It's a step towards sustainable water management that benefits both the environment and the agricultural community,” says Coppin.
