Scientific Study: Scientists from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University published a study in Science Advances revealing thatthe New York City metropolitan area is slowly sinking.
Sinking Rate: The region is sinking at an average rate of 0.06 inches per year, posing an increased risk of flooding.
State of Emergency: New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to heavy rain and flash floods in Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.
Vertical Land Motion: Researchers used interferometric synthetic aperture radar to study the vertical land motion in the region from 2016 to 2023.
Human Activity Impact: The study noted that much of the motion occurred in areas where prior human modifications, like land reclamation and landfill construction, had made the ground more compressible beneath buildin
Arthur Ashe Stadium: Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, built on a landfill, is sinking the fastest at a rate of 0.18 inches per year.
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Woodside in Queens: Conversely, Woodside in Queens is rising at a rate of 0.27 inches per year.
LaGuardia Airport:LaGuardia Airport is sinking at about 0.15 inches per year, prompting an $8 billion renovation to address issues and mitigate flooding.
New Jersey Communities: Outside NYC, Newark, Kearny, and Harrison in New Jersey are also sinking, although the study didn't specify their rates
Rising Sea Levels: The study highlights the threat of sinking to the metropolitan area, with sea levels at The Battery in Manhattan rising by 0.17 inches per year. NASA predicts a further 0.04-inch rise by 2100.