Mexico City is rapidly sinking into the ground

Mexico's capital is rapidly sinking underground: scientists record acceleration of dangerous process

As reported by BAKU.WS citing CNN, the capital Mexico City continues to subside at an alarming rate — approximately 1.5 centimeters per month, which amounts to roughly 25 centimeters per year. This data was obtained through satellite observations using NASA radar technologies.

One of the world's largest megacities, home to around 22 million people, has been facing this problem for decades. However, according to foreign experts, the situation has noticeably worsened in recent times. The main factor cited is excessive extraction of groundwater, which causes gradual soil compaction and subsidence.

Experts note that rapid urbanization only exacerbates the situation: construction of new structures increases the load on clay soils, making them even more vulnerable. The first signs of land subsidence in the city were recorded as far back as the 1920s, but since then the consequences have become significantly more pronounced.

Today, residents of the megacity face road destruction, building deformation, and infrastructure disruptions. Even minor changes in surface level over time lead to serious damage — cracks in asphalt, building walls, and water supply systems.

Particularly affected are such landmarks as Benito Juárez International Airport and the famous Angel of Independence monument. Due to gradual foundation subsidence, additional steps had to be added to the monument.

The problem of ground subsidence is not unique to Mexico. In Tehran, certain districts sink by 25–30 centimeters annually due to intensive use of groundwater. Meanwhile, Jakarta loses an average of about 15 centimeters in elevation per year, and the scale of the problem has already compelled the country's authorities to consider relocating the capital to a new city.