The phenomenon of land subsidence, which is the gradual sinking of land, particularly affects several U.S. cities such as New Orleans, New York City, Miami, and South San Francisco. This geological event can significantly damage the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure. When combined with rising sea levels, the risk of flooding increases dramatically.

Home Value at Risk

According to new research led by Assistant Professor Mehdi Nemati of the University of California, Riverside, land subsidence can erode home values by up to 8.1% in areas with severe subsidence. Their study focused particularly on the Central Valley of California but suggests that these impacts could be felt across the country.

Insurance Coverage Limitations

Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover issues related to land subsidence, as noted by Policygenius. However, in some areas, it is possible to buy coverage for subsidence caused by nearby mining activities.

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Root Causes of Land Subsidence

There are both natural and human-induced factors contributing to land subsidence. Naturally, the receding glaciers in North America create a “see-saw” effect, lowering the land in the U.S. while raising it in Canada. Additionally, tectonic activities, including earthquakes, can alter the elevation of the land.

On the human side, groundwater extraction and construction practices are significant contributors. Over-extraction of groundwater for drinking and other purposes leads to compaction of the space beneath the land. Moreover, the weight of heavy building materials exacerbates this issue, posing a serious risk to infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Long-Term Costs

Most infrastructure is not designed to account for gradual land shifts, which can be hazardous. Items such as rail lines can face severe alignment issues due to sinking ground, making maintenance increasingly necessary and costly.

To gain a more thorough understanding of how land subsidence is threatening U.S. infrastructure and impacting , read the full article on CNBC.

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