New research published in Earth’s Future reveals that New York City’s massive 1.68-trillion-pound skyline is causing the land beneath it to sink—by approximately 2 millimeters per year. Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens are settling even faster in certain areas due to softer, clay-rich soils. While that may not sound dramatic, this slow but steady subsidence, combined with rising sea levels, increases the city’s long-term flood risk. Scientists emphasize that this gradual pace allows urban planners and engineers time to reinforce infrastructure and prepare for future challenges. #NewYorkCity #UrbanSinking #ClimateAdaptation #GeologyFacts #NYCInfrastructure