According to a new study, San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City, and Bay Farm Island in Alameda are sinking at a rate of more than 0.4 inches per year. This alarming rate of subsidence is primarily due to sediment compaction. Researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) analyzed radar measurements and velocity data between 2015 and 2023.
They compared images of the same locations to identify areas experiencing significant land subsidence. California sea levels are projected to rise between 6 and 14.5 inches by 2050 compared to levels in 2000. This rise is largely driven by melting glaciers and ice sheets and warming ocean waters.
In the subsiding Bay Area hot spots, sea levels could increase by more than 17 inches by 2050, surpassing the regional estimate of 7.4 inches. The combination of sinking land and rising sea levels substantially threaten the Bay Area.
Bay Area subsidence threatens infrastructure
It could exacerbate floods’ impact and affect coastal infrastructure and communities. The study also noted sinking marshlands and lagoons around San Francisco and Monterey Bays and in Sonoma County’s Russian River estuary. Erosion plays a key role in these areas.
Not all coastal locations in California are experiencing this sinking phenomenon. Researchers identified uplift hot spots in Santa Barbara’s groundwater basin, which has been releasing steadily since 2018. In Long Beach, they attributed variations to fluid extraction and injection related to oil and gas production.
These findings underscore the need for proactive measures to address the sinking problem, especially in light of the projected sea level rise. As areas continue to sink, they will become more vulnerable to rising seas, increasing the risk of floods. By staying informed and prepared, Bay Area communities can better address these environmental challenges, ensuring resilience against future sea level changes.
Image Credits: Photo by Kevin Noble on Unsplash
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
