NASA study reveals sinking coastal cities threatening 40 million in California

A NASA-led study has revealed alarming rates of land subsidence along California's coast, particularly in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, which are sinking into the ocean. Researchers found that parts of the Bay Area, such as San Rafael, are subsiding at over 0.4 inches per year, meaning sea levels could rise by more than 17 inches by 2050—double previous estimates. The study highlights that 68% of California's nearly 40 million residents live along the coast, making them vulnerable to these changes. Utilizing satellite radar data, scientists assessed vertical land motion and concluded that the sinking land exacerbates the effects of rising sea levels due to climate change. This downward movement is driven by human activities like groundwater extraction, which is particularly severe in the Central Valley. The findings underscore the need for updated flood mitigation plans to address the underestimated impacts of subsidence on coastal communities.