PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland is one of several U.S. cities that gradually sinks each year, according to a recently-published study.
Scientific journal Nature uncovered the report, titled “Land subsidence risk to infrastructure in US metropolises,” earlier this month. After tracking “space geodetic measurements” in the country’s 28 biggest cities from 2015 to 2021, researchers found that 25 of them are sinking by at least a millimeter annually.
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Scientists determined that Portland – and other places including New York, Philadelphia and Chicago – lose between one and three millimeters of elevation per year, on average. The study also shows that more than 80% of the Rose City experiences subsidence.
According to researchers, this phenomenon is commonly seen as a hazard for coastal areas — but it can also increase flood risk, damage properties and hinder transportation in urban destinations…