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NTU Singapore study shows major earthquakes can affect current sea-level projections in Southeast Asia

A new study by NTU Singapore reveals that major earthquakes can trigger decades-long land sinking in Southeast Asia, affecting relative sea-level projections. This phenomenon may underestimate coastal flood risks for low-lying regions if not accounted for in sea-level modeling.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Scientists discover how fast the world’s deltas are sinking

New research reveals that land subsidence caused by humans is the main culprit behind delta sinking, posing increased flooding risk to 236 million people. The study identifies groundwater extraction as the dominant cause of subsidence, highlighting the need for urgent local interventions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature·DateJan 14, 2026

Major US cities are sinking

A study by Virginia Tech found that all 28 major US cities are sinking, with 20-65% of urban areas affected, impacting structural integrity and flood risks. The research highlights the importance of integrating land subsidence monitoring into urban planning policies to mitigate infrastructure risks.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 8, 2025

Flood risk increasing in Pacific Northwest

A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that a major earthquake could expand the coastal floodplain by 35-116 square miles, affecting thousands of residents and properties. The impact would be most severe in southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Flooding expected sooner in Hawai’i’s sinking coastal areas

A recent study by researchers at the University of Hawaii found that subsidence is a major factor in future flood exposure in low-lying areas. The study highlights that areas like Oahu's south shore are experiencing land sinking nearly 40 times faster than others, exacerbating flooding sooner than anticipated.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Sinking truths: University of Houston confirms Miami’s coastal subsidence challenges

Researchers from the University of Houston have confirmed alarming rates of subsidence in Miami's barrier islands, with 35 skyscrapers sinking up to three inches into the ground since 2016. The study used InSAR technology to detect changes in the earth's surface and found that construction-induced stresses extend beyond building footpr...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEarth and Space Science·DateJan 27, 2025

Groundwater pumping drives rapid sinking in California

A new study reveals that the San Joaquin Valley in California has been sinking at an average rate of nearly an inch per year between 2006 and 2022. The researchers estimate that the land sank by over 12 inches during the four-year gap in satellite data, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation strategies.

SourceStanford University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 19, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Parched Central Valley farms depend on Sierras for groundwater

A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJul 25, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The moon is shrinking, causing landslides and instability in lunar south pole

A team of scientists found evidence that the moon's shrinkage led to surface warping in its south polar region, including areas proposed for crewed Artemis III landings. Shallow moonquakes can devastate hypothetical human settlements on the moon due to loose sediments and unstable surface slopes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateJan 25, 2024

Study: From NYC to DC and beyond, cities on the East Coast are sinking

A new study reveals that major cities on the US Atlantic coast are experiencing rapid subsidence, with areas like New York City and Baltimore sinking up to 5 millimeters per year. The research highlights the risks of land subsidence to critical infrastructure and populations, particularly in high-density areas.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 2, 2024

Subsidence risk on the U.S. East Coast

The US East Coast is experiencing subsidence rates of up to 5 mm/year, affecting 2.1 million people and 867,000 properties. Rising groundwater extraction and sediment compaction are common causes, while some areas like the Chesapeake Bay experience differential subsidence, posing significant risks to structures.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 2, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Scientists map loss of groundwater storage around the world

A new study maps permanent groundwater storage loss around the world, highlighting a significant impact on aquifers. The research provides insights into the global subsidence phenomenon, shedding light on the causes and consequences of this environmental issue.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2023

Flooding that closed Alaska's Dalton Highway also caused widespread ground sinking

Researchers found that flooding led to subsidence, with areas flooded experiencing hotspots of subsidence exceeding 3 inches over a few years. The study used satellite data from 2015-2019 and found that subsidence was most pronounced in flooded locations, particularly those with high ice content.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalPermafrost and Periglacial Processes·DateOct 11, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Iron-rich rocks unlock new insights into Earth’s planetary history

New research from Rice University suggests that ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events by facilitating the precipitation of minerals in banded iron formations. The study provides insight into processes that could produce habitable exoplanets and reframes scientists' understanding of Earth's early history.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Study: Sinking ground in parts of Chesapeake Bay area will worsen flooding from rising sea levels and storm surges

New research reveals that sections of the Chesapeake Bay are sinking at rates of nearly a quarter inch per year, exacerbating flooding risks from rising sea levels and storm surges. The study estimates that 454 to 600 square kilometers face a risk of flooding by 2100, highlighting the need for updated flood maps.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 27, 2023

Study finds sinking tundra surface unlikely to trigger runaway permafrost thaw

Researchers used a high-performance computer simulation to study the impact of soil subsidence on permafrost thawing in the Arctic tundra. They found that uneven land subsidence leads to a drier landscape, which limits the process's acceleration through the end of the century.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Rapid land sinking is making many coastal cities worldwide vulnerable to sea level rise, finds international group of scientists

A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 20, 2022

Geoscientists confirm millions-year-old dripping of Earth’s lithosphere beneath Andes Mountains

A team of researchers has confirmed that regions in the central Andes Mountains were formed through a process called lithospheric dripping, where parts of the planet's outer shell sink into the mantle over millions of years. This discovery may have implications for other terrestrial planets with non-Earth-like plate tectonics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Pain in the neck? New surgical method could be game-changing

Researchers develop technique to improve ACDF by testing variable angle screws, reducing risk of micro motion and subsidence. The cage-screw combination model shows promising potential for increased stiffness and reduced clinical failure.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 21, 2022

Urban noise used to monitor compaction, seismic wave velocity under Mexico City

Scientists are tracking changes in seismic wave velocity around the Mexico City Basin using ambient noise generated by urban activity. The study found a long-term increase in velocity at stations over compacting lake clay deposits, which can affect building stability during earthquakes. Additionally, seasonal variations and post-seismi...

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 20, 2022

Some past sea levels may not have been as high as thought, says study of rising and sinking landmasses

A new study finds that global sea levels during the last interglacial may have been as low as 1.2 meters higher than today, rather than the previously accepted 6-9 meters. This suggests that ice sheet melting was not as extensive as thought, but also raises concerns about future projections.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The pulse of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is shrinking at a rate of about one meter per year, causing land subsidence of 15 centimeters annually. Researchers have linked this trend to hydro-meteorological fluctuations, revealing a direct connection between water table fluctuations, evaporation, and land movement.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2021

New GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in May

The Mesaverde Group in the Wyoming-Utah-Colorado region is characterized by four tectonically driven classic wedges with large basinward and landward shoreline shifts. A new K-Ar illite dating application constrains the timing of subduction in West Sarawak, Borneo, offering insights into the dynamic interaction between tectonic control...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 28, 2021

Gas pressure depletion and seismicity

A new study published in Geology has shed light on the mechanisms driving induced subsidence and seismicity in gas-producing sandstone reservoirs. Researchers analyzed drill core samples from the Groningen field, finding evidence of elastic strain plus inelastic compression of weak clay films within grain contacts.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 4, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Monitoring open-cast mines better than before

The study uses Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) to investigate lignite regions in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It finds significant land subsidence in open-cast mining areas, with rates of up to 50 centimeters per year.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateNov 4, 2020

Researchers use satellite imaging to map groundwater use in California's central valley

Researchers used satellite imaging to map groundwater use in California's San Joaquin Valley, finding that field crops and pasture crops have higher rates of subsidence than fruit and nut crops. This study provides new insights for irrigation policymaking and sustainable groundwater management in agricultural regions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2020

Satellite survey shows California's sinking coastal hotspots

A recent satellite survey tracked California's entire coast for over a decade, revealing local hotspots of subsidence in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Cruz. The study found that these areas will face increased flooding risk as sea levels rise, with rates of subsidence reaching up to 8.7 mm/year.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Rising sea levels and river delta growth

A study examines how sea-level rise and subsidence affect river avulsions on deltas, finding that frequent avulsions occur when rates of these processes match sediment supply. Engineered avulsions may help mitigate climate change effects, but thresholds exist where sediment supply cannot keep up with rising sea levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Peatland drainage in Southeast Asia adds to climate change

Most of Southeast Asia's peatlands have been wholly or partially deforested, drained, and dried out, leading to fires and greenhouse emissions. Satellite-based study reveals widespread subsidence, posing a threat to these ecosystems as most coastal peatlands are at or just above sea level.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 4, 2020

Are sinking soils in the Everglades related to climate change?

The Everglades Agricultural Area is experiencing significant soil subsidence due to climate change, threatening the region's ecosystem and agricultural economy. Researchers recommend practices such as crop rotation with rice and adding plant material back into the soil to mitigate decomposition and increase soil carbon.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJan 15, 2020

Sea-level rise and land subsidence in delta

Researchers analyzed 101 monthly stream and tide gauge records to estimate variations in relative water level in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta from 1968 to 2012. The study found RWL increased by approximately 3mm/year, similar to global mean sea-level increase, leading to estimated maximum land subsidence rates of 1-7mm/year.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

A better estimate of water-level rise in the Ganges delta

Scientists provided reliable regional estimates of land subsidence and water-level rise in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, projecting 85-140cm rise by 2100. The delta's 200 million inhabitants face significant flooding risks due to climate change, intense monsoon rainfall, rising sea levels, and land subsidence.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

3-D models of cascadia megathrust events match coastal changes from 1700 earthquake

Researchers used 3D models of Cascadia megathrust events and geological evidence to recreate the 1700 earthquake's impact on the Pacific Northwest coast. The study suggests that a rupture extending just offshore could cause coastal subsidence, with an estimated magnitude between 8.7 and 9.2.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 29, 2019

Tapping fresh water under the ocean has consequences

Tapping into ocean freshwater resources could threaten onshore aquifer systems, lead to diminished groundwater availability and cause land subsidence. This could have devastating effects on coastal population centers, especially in densely populated areas.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 2, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Where will flooded fields best replenish groundwater?

A new study from Stanford University suggests a way to map precisely where and how to use groundwater recharge to refill aquifers and stop sinking in California's Central Valley. The model, based on remote sensing data, indicates areas of high subsidence risk and optimal recharge locations.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Resources Research·DateApr 10, 2019

Hurricane Harvey provides lessons learned for flood resiliency plans

Researchers used satellite radar data to map the extent of standing water and measure land subsidence in the Houston-Galveston area, revealing large flooded areas fell outside FEMA designated flood zones. The study highlights the need for revising flood hazard zone maps and resilience plans in coastal regions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateApr 10, 2019

Tulane study says seas may be rising faster than thought

A new Tulane University study questions the reliability of sea-level rise measurement in low-lying coastal areas, suggesting higher rates of relative sea-level rise due to subsidence. The research, published in Ocean Science, calls for a rethinking of how sea-level rise is measured in rapidly subsiding coastal lowlands.

SourceTulane University·JournalOcean Science·DateJan 30, 2019

Why Tehran is sinking dangerously

A recent study found that Tehran is experiencing rapid land subsidence due to groundwater depletion and exploitation. The city's surface has sunk by several meters, posing significant environmental concerns, including cracks in building walls and crevices in the ground.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateDec 6, 2018

Lessons from Dutch geological history might be useful for other present-day deltas

Researchers found that Dutch delta plain's unique history can inform management of modern deltas, which face similar challenges like land subsidence and sea level rise. Human activities such as reclamation and agricultural expansion triggered the formation of new rivers along courses that natural branches would not have taken.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 8, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Drought, groundwater loss sinks California land at alarming rate

A new Cornell University study reveals that the San Joaquin Valley in central California is sinking by up to a half-meter annually due to drought and ongoing groundwater extraction. Groundwater depletion has been estimated at 10 miles cubed between 2012 and 2016, posing significant engineering problems and threatening water quality.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018

Sinking land will exacerbate flooding from sea level rise in Bay Area

A new study warns that subsidence, combined with rising sea levels, will increase the flood-risk area around San Francisco Bay by doubling it. The study found that areas at risk of inundation could be twice what had been estimated from sea level rise only.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 7, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New map highlights sinking Louisiana coast

Researchers at Tulane University have developed a subsidence map of coastal Louisiana, revealing the region is sinking at an alarming rate of over 9 millimeters or just over a third of an inch each year. The map provides critical information for policy decisions on coastal restoration and planning of large sediment diversions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJun 14, 2017

Record-breaking volcanic kettle on Iceland explored

The Bardarbunga caldera is the largest caldera formation ever observed, with an area of 110 square kilometers. The team used satellite images, seismological and geochemical data, GPS data, and modeling to study the event.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016

Earthquakes recorded through fossils

Researchers found stratigraphic evidence of subsidence during large earthquakes beneath salt marshes in California's Humboldt Bay. Microfossil data analysis enabled more accurate estimates of subsidence, refining earthquake models that match observed measurements. New plant macrofossils provide tighter constraints on past earthquake ti...

SourceGeological Society of America·DateNov 1, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.