Nasa’s NISAR satellite has unveiled that Mexico City is sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas subsiding nearly 10 inches a year due to excessive groundwater extraction. This situation poses dire challenges for the city’s infrastructure and its 22 million residents.
The city, built atop an ancient aquifer that supplies around 60% of its drinking water, suffers from chronic water shortages exacerbated by relentless urban development. As David Bekaert from NASA noted, “Mexico City is a well-known hot spot when it comes to subsidence, and images like this are just the beginning for NISAR.” The satellite tracks ground movement, revealing that parts of the city sink about 0.8 inches each month.
Groundwater extraction has led to significant subsidence—over-extraction causes the clay-rich soil beneath the city to lose structural support and compact. The Angel of Independence monument now stands on a base that has required 14 additional steps due to the shifting ground. Areas near Benito Juarez International Airport are among the hardest hit.
Since subsidence was first documented in the 1920s, it has become increasingly critical. The ground beneath Mexico City compresses and collapses as excessive water use continues. Once this compression occurs, recovery is unlikely; even if water levels are restored, the city cannot regain its original elevation.
Key facts:
- Mexico City’s subsidence rates exceed 0.5 inches per month.
- Some areas experience up to 10 inches of sinking annually.
- The aquifer supplies approximately 60% of drinking water for the population.
Infrastructure damage is evident throughout the city—fractured roads and tilted buildings present daily challenges for residents. No timeline has been shared regarding potential solutions to this escalating crisis.
The future remains uncertain as officials grapple with how to manage both urban growth and water resources effectively. As Bekaert mentioned, “We’re going to see an influx of new discoveries from all over the world” through ongoing monitoring efforts.
