NASA’s NISAR satellite has revealed that Mexico City is sinking at an alarming rate. Some areas are subsiding nearly 10 inches a year due to excessive groundwater extraction. This situation raises significant concerns for the city’s 22 million residents.
Key statistics on subsidence:
- Mexico City experiences subsidence rates of more than 0.5 inches per month.
- In some regions, the rate reaches approximately 0.8 inches per month, translating to over 9.5 inches annually.
- The city relies on an ancient aquifer for about 60% of its drinking water.
The excessive extraction of groundwater has led to land subsiding above the aquifer. This chronic issue has persisted since the 1920s and is exacerbated by relentless urban development. Areas near Benito Juarez International Airport are among the worst affected.
Infrastructure damage is evident across the city. Roads have fractured, buildings are tilting, and the train system suffers from ongoing issues. The Angel of Independence monument has seen 14 additional steps added at its base due to sinking ground.
The NISAR satellite, a collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization, is actively tracking ground movement in Mexico City. David Bekaert stated, “Mexico City is a well-known hot spot when it comes to subsidence, and images like this are just the beginning for NISAR.” He anticipates new discoveries will emerge globally.
The soil beneath Mexico City, primarily composed of soft clay, loses structural support as water is pumped out to meet growing demands. Once this ground compresses, recovery becomes largely irreversible—meaning the city cannot regain its original elevation even if water levels are restored.
This alarming trend poses significant challenges for urban planning and sustainability efforts in one of the world’s largest cities. Immediate action may be necessary to address both the water crisis and infrastructure vulnerabilities.