Mexico City is experiencing dramatic land subsidence at a rate of approximately 9.5 inches annually, according to measurements released this week by NASA using satellite data. The city’s 22 million residents and surrounding areas, which span 3,000 square miles, were constructed on an ancient lake bed, and the sinking has been occurring for over a century. In certain locations, including the main airport and the Angel of Independence monument, subsidence reaches 0.78 inches per month. Over the past several decades, the cumulative drop has exceeded 39 feet.
The subsidence stems from extensive groundwater pumping combined with urban development, which has severely depleted the aquifer underlying the city. The visible effects are evident in numerous landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, whose construction began in 1573, which now displays a noticeable tilt. Researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico note that the sinking damages critical infrastructure including subway systems, drainage networks, potable water systems, buildings, and streets.
NASA’s measurements were obtained using NISAR, a satellite jointly developed by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization, which captured data between October 2025 and January 2026. This technology enables real-time tracking of surface changes and subsurface developments with unprecedented precision. Scientists plan to refine the technology to eventually provide building-by-building measurements and hope to apply similar tracking methods globally for monitoring natural disasters, fault line changes, climate impacts, and volcanic activity.
Government response to the subsidence issue has historically been limited, with efforts primarily focused on stabilizing foundations beneath important monuments. However, recent escalations in the city’s chronic water crisis have prompted officials to increase research funding. Researchers indicate that detailed satellite data will be essential for developing long-term mitigation strategies and addressing the complex infrastructure challenges posed by the ongoing subsidence.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI