Water extraction and weight of buildings see half of China's cities sink

Water Extraction and Weight of Buildings See Half of China's Cities Sink Extracting ground water for growing urban populations causes half of China's big cities to sink. The rapid economic growth and urbanization of China over the past few decades have led to a high demand for water. To meet this demand, many cities in China have been heavily relying on groundwater extraction. However, this excessive extraction of water from underground sources is now causing severe consequences, with half of China’s large cities sinking. A recent study conducted by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that the continuous removal of groundwater is leading to the sinking of land and buildings in many urban areas. The weight of the buildings, combined with the extraction of groundwater, is causing the ground to subside. China's cities are facing an unprecedented challenge due to this sinking phenomenon. The subsidence of the ground can lead to a variety of problems, including damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This, in turn, puts a strain on the economy and poses a threat to the safety of the residents. The study examined data from over 200 remote-sensing satellites and found that land subsidence is most severe in the northern regions of China, around major cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai. However, it is not just the large cities that are affected. The subsidence is also spreading to smaller cities and rural areas. One of the main causes of this sinking phenomenon is the excessive extraction of groundwater. As the population grows