| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Subsidence | The gradual sinking of land, often due to water removal. |
| Aquifer | An underground layer of rock or soil that holds water. |
| Infrastructure | The basic physical systems of a city, like roads and water pipes. |
Mexico City is known for sinking rapidly, almost 10 inches each year, according to new data from NASA. Over the last century, it has sunk about 40 feet. This data comes from a satellite project called NISAR, a collaboration between the U.S. and India. NISAR uses special radar to look at changes on Earth, like how land and water levels change.
The city’s subsidence is mainly because it used to sits on the remains of Lake Texcoco, which was drained hundreds of years ago. Today, Mexico City relies heavily on water from underground aquifers. But as the population grows and climate change affects rainfall, these aquifers are not refilled properly. As a result, the ground sinks under the weight of buildings and traffic.
This has led to tilted buildings, cracked roads, and even sinkholes. Such changes damage the city’s critical infrastructure, including the subway and water systems. To combat this, the government is trying to limit water removal from wells and repair water pipes, but these efforts are costly and might not be enough if the sinking continues.
Experts like Enrique Lomnitz and Enrique Cabral highlight the need for urgent action to address this “very big problem.” The government needs to find new water sources and allocate billions to fix the damage. However, the risk remains that ongoing subsidence could undo these efforts.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Satellite | Satélite |
| Project | Proyecto |
| Problem | Problema |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think cities like Mexico City face problems with subsidence?
- How might climate change impact water resources in other parts of the world?
- What are some other cities that face similar issues with sinking or subsidence?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What are some possible solutions to prevent Mexico City from sinking further?
- How can technology, like the NISAR satellite, help solve environmental issues?
