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New York City Is Sinking – And Some Areas Are Dropping Fast, Says NASA
When I first read that New York City is sinking, I’ll be honest—it sounded like clickbait. But then I dove into NASA’s latest data, and wow, the truth is both fascinating and deeply concerning. This isn’t science fiction. It’s science fact. Our beloved NYC, the iconic concrete jungle, is literally sinking into the Earth. And not all parts of the city are sinking at the same rate.
Let’s break this down together.
According to new findings from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University, certain parts of the city are dropping more than twice as fast as the rest of the metro area. Using a combination of satellite radar and GPS data, researchers tracked subtle land shifts across NYC. On average, the city is sinking at about 1.6 millimeters per year. That might not sound like much—but wait until you hear this: places like LaGuardia Airport and parts of Brooklyn are sinking at up to 3.7 millimeters annually.
That’s more than double the average—and it adds up.
As I read through the report, I couldn’t help but picture the consequences. Rising sea levels, aging infrastructure, and ground that won’t stay still? It’s like a perfect storm of urban vulnerability. And when you add in climate change and intensifying coastal storms, you’ve got the recipe for something serious.
Here’s where it gets even more real: parts of NYC were built on artificial fill. This includes areas like JFK Airport and sections of Lower Manhattan. And guess what? These artificially built-up zones are settling faster than areas built on natural bedrock. It’s like building a castle on sand instead of stone.
I don’t want to sound alarmist, but this isn’t just some distant problem for the year 2100. As someone who walks these streets, takes the subway, and sips overpriced coffee in these neighborhoods, I feel the urgency. We need to talk about this now—because proactive measures, not panic, are what will save us.
NASA’s report isn’t just doom and gloom, though. It’s also a wake-up call—and an opportunity. By identifying hotspots like Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens and parts of the East River shoreline, city planners can start taking smart steps. Think elevated infrastructure, reimagined zoning laws, and resilience upgrades. This isn’t just about avoiding disaster—it’s about rethinking how we live in a changing world.
To me, this is more than a science headline. It’s a chance for us—New Yorkers, scientists, city lovers, and future-minded folks—to start asking better questions. How do we protect our coastal cities? How do we build smarter, stronger, safer?
I’m not giving up on NYC. But I am paying attention.
Because when NASA speaks, I listen—and so should you.
