Hurricane Sandy caused catastrophic flooding in New York City back in 2012, leaving many parts of the subway system submerged. The salt water that surged into the city carried with it an ominous warning for the future. Keep reading to find out more about what scientists have learned about our bustling city!
In a recent study published this month in the journal Earth’s Future, researchers have come to a startling discovery: New York City is sinking. This is not just a small matter, as the sinking rate is up to two millimeters per year, with certain parts of the city sinking faster than others – up to 2.75mm per year in northern Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and lower Manhattan. This is a genuine cause for concern!
The root causes of the sinking vary, but one significant factor is the weight of heavy skyscrapers. The study found that the city’s structures weigh an astounding 842 million tons, which is equivalent to 140 million elephants. While many of the larger buildings stand firm on bedrock, some structures are supported by soft materials like sand and clay, which are adding to the sinking effect. For instance, the Manhattan stanchion of the Brooklyn Bridge sits atop a hard layer of sand since drilling down to bedrock was too risky for workers back in the day. The soft clay and sand beneath the bridge exacerbates the sinking effect.
Researchers attribute the sinking of New York City to various factors including the effects of climate change. They also believe that our planet’s movements following the last ice age roughly 10,000 years ago also contributed to landmasses sinking.
As ice sheets melted following Earth’s most recent ice age, areas that were propped up by the weight of the ice sheets are now sinking. Previous studies suggest the East Coast could see sinking of up to 19 to 59 inches by 2100. Alarming data indicates sea levels are already rising at an alarming pace, compounding the issue. Around New York City, the water levels have boosted by around nine inches since 1950. That said, it’s only set to get worse with the NYC Panel on Climate Change stating that sea levels could surge between eight to 30 inches by the 2050s and as much as 75 inches by the end of this century. Climate change also heavily affects sea levels, with melting glaciers being the primary culprit.
It’s a global predicament too. A report from the C40 Group revealed that approximately 800 million individuals are poised to live in coastal cities where levels are projected to surge over a foot by 2050. As a result, cities must adapt to the imminent danger by investing in protective measures.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In the fall of 2020, NYC kicked off the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, which is a major initiative to combat flooding, particularly on Manhattan’s east side. The project seeks to minimize flood risks and counteract rising water levels. The city government says the project’s boundaries coincide with the natural pinpoints in the so-called 100-year floodplain – where the coast is highest, making it easier to block water encroaching from the north and south. Once completed, the project will span 2.4 miles and contain 18 movable floodgates.
It’s worth noting that given New York City’s size and complexity, structural issues such as sinking, which can seem innocuous, can become an immense concern when coupled with the debilitating effects of climate change.
The east coast, along with New York City and neighbouring coastlines, must practice safety, especially when constructing additional high-rise buildings. As the C40 Group’s report explains, building at coastal, river, or lakefront settings could worsen flooding risks in the future. Hence, areas must make sure to keep an eye on potential risks while, in addition to making a move towards green and renewable energy, reducing man-made emissions to curtail the effects of climate change.
It’s no secret that New York City has become a melting pot of people and cultures. It’s the city that never sleeps, the epicentre of global change and an American dream for countless individuals worldwide. However, the safety and longevity of the city depend on the responsible actions of governments and individuals alike, ensuring that existing structures adhere to safety protocols that also extend to future development.
With resilience, careful management, and foresight, New York City can remain a beacon of hope, a thriving hub of possibility, and a symbol of the American spirit long into the future.
It’s no secret that the Big Apple is one of the world’s most significant cities, boasting a bustling population and a thriving economy. However, with great growth, there must be even greater responsibility, particularly when considering the city’s infrastructure, which now includes a flooded subway system!
Scientists believe that the weight of towering skyscrapers has had a magnifying effect on the sinking of New York City. The city’s structures weigh an astonishing 842 million tons, equivalent to 140 million elephants. While most large structures sit atop bedrock, some, like the Manhattan stanchion of the Brooklyn Bridge, sit on a mixture of sand and other clays, which is contributing to the sinking effect.
This sinking is only set to increase as Earth’s movements following the last ice age continue to cause landmasses to sink, and climate change accelerates sea level rise. New York’s East Side Coastal Resiliency Project – slated for completion in 2026 – aims to counteract these issues. With 2.4 miles of floodgate coverage, the project is a significant initiative to keep New Yorkers safe.
In conclusion, the sinking of New York City may sound scary, but it’s something we can fix. By addressing the root causes of the sinking, such as weighty skyscrapers and climate change, and embracing projects like the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, we can protect our fair city and keep the spirit of progress alive.
With so much at stake, it’s crucial that cities across the world take note of the potential risks of climate change and take a proactive stance to prevent damage. Whether it’s investing in renewable energy or preserving natural sources, the steps we take now, will undoubtedly determine what happens in the future for generations to come.