New York City Faces Sinking Crisis: LaGuardia Airport and Coney Island at Risk
New York City, the bustling metropolis known for its towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks, is facing a grave threat. According to a recent report by NASA, the city is sinking under the weight of its own mass, and notable locations such as LaGuardia Airport, Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Coney Island are at risk of being devastated by this disaster.
The report, which has been highlighted by the New York Post, reveals that researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University have identified several key locations across the city’s five boroughs that are sinking. What is particularly alarming is that the rate of sinking in these areas is faster than the average of 1.6 millimeters per year experienced by the rest of the city.
Notably, LaGuardia’s runways and Arthur Ashe Stadium have been found to be sinking at rates of 3.7 and 4.6 millimeters per year respectively, between 2016 and 2023. These areas were constructed on former landfill sites, which may be a significant factor contributing to their accelerated sinking.
The sinking of New York City is compounded by the rising sea levels, adding to the serious threat faced by the city. Over the years, coastal flooding due to hurricanes and extratropical storms has become a recurring issue. The devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy in 2012 stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by the city.
Researchers emphasized the urgent need to protect coastal populations and assets from the growing menace of coastal flooding. The combined effect of natural sea level variations, destructive storms, and ongoing sea level rise is exacerbating the situation. These alarming findings underscore the need for immediate action to safeguard the city and its residents from further harm.
Further analysis of the data has revealed that other areas sinking at an accelerated pace include the southern half of Governors Island, Midland and South Beach in Staten Island, and Arverne by the Sea, a coastal neighborhood in southern Queens. These locations highlight the widespread nature of the sinking crisis, demanding comprehensive countermeasures.
Moreover, earlier this year, the United States Geological Survey released a study stating that New York City’s more than one million buildings weigh a staggering 1.7 trillion pounds, causing the city to slowly buckle under its own weight. The combination of sinking land and the burden of such tremendous mass raises critical concerns for the city’s infrastructure.
As the news of New York City sinking spreads, authorities and experts must come together to formulate effective strategies aimed at mitigating this impending disaster. The findings of the report underscore the urgency and the need for immediate action. The city must allocate resources to monitor and address the sinking phenomenon in order to protect its valuable assets and the millions of lives that call it home.
