New research has uncovered alarming findings that shed light on the sinking of New York City, partly due to the immense weight of its towering skyscrapers. The study reveals that the city, often referred to as the Big Apple, is subsiding at an average rate of 1-2mm per year, with certain areas experiencing twice this rate. This subsidence further compounds the risks posed by rising sea levels, which are accelerating at twice the global average due to melting glaciers and thermal expansion caused by global heating. Since 1950, the water surrounding New York City has risen by approximately 9 inches (22cm), and if current trends continue, major flooding events caused by stronger hurricanes and sea level rise could become up to four times more frequent by the end of the century. The recently published study in the Earth’s Future journal emphasizes that the dangers faced by New York City will be shared by numerous coastal cities worldwide as the climate crisis deepens. The researchers note, “The combination of tectonic and anthropogenic subsidence, sea level rise, and increasing hurricane intensity imply an accelerating problem along coastal and riverfront areas. “The colossal weight of New York City’s infrastructure is exacerbating this situation.
The study estimates that the city’s structures, including iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, collectively weigh an astonishing 1.68 trillion pounds—equivalent to the weight of 140 million elephants. This immense mass is exerting pressure on a complex mix of soils found beneath the city. Although some of the largest buildings rest on solid bedrock, such as schist, the presence of other sands and clays exacerbates the natural sinking effect occurring along much of the U.S. East Coast as the land adjusts following the retreat of ancient glaciers. Tom Parsons, a geophysicist leading the research at the U.S. Geological Survey, emphasizes that the sinking itself may not cause immediate panic but highlights the ongoing process that increases the risk of flooding. Parsons warns, “Every time you build something [in New York City], you push down the ground a little bit more.
“The devastating impacts of climate change on New York City have already been witnessed during events such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Ida in 2021, which caused extensive flooding, subway disruptions, and power outages. Scientists attribute the severity of these events to the effects of global heating. Considering the implications of these findings, Parsons emphasizes the need for proactive planning in coastal cities like New York to mitigate the risks associated with rising sea levels and repeated exposure to seawater. Addressing both structural stability and the preservation of human lives, Parsons stresses the urgency, stating, “Flooding also kills people, too, which is probably the greatest concern.”