Land Subsidence in the United States


Book Description

Land subsidence (LS) is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface owing to subsurface movement of earth materials. More than 80% of the identified LS in the nation is due to our exploitation of underground water (UW). This report illustrates the 3 basic mechanisms by which human influence on UW causes land subsidence: compaction of aquifer systems, dewatering of organic soils, and mass wasting through dissolution and collapse of susceptible earth materials. Also examines the role that water-management groups play in mitigating subsidence damages. Color and B&W photos, maps, and drawings.
















Land Subsidence Mitigation


Book Description

This book examines the process of injecting treated wastewater into wells to replenish aquifers, and thereby slow the process of land subsidence, and help to mitigate coastal flooding. It explains how up to fifty percent of sea-level rise may be due to land subsidence, and up to fifty percent of land subsidence may be due to aquifer compaction. The concepts covered discuss replenishing aquifers with clean water to reduce nutrient discharges into out-falled waterways; providing a sustainable supply of groundwater; reducing the rate of land subsidence; and protecting the groundwater from saltwater intrusion. Practical case studies from Virginia and California will be included.




The Science of Land Subsidence


Book Description

The Science of Land Subsidence explains the current science underpinning natural and human-made land subsidence events, and provides students and interested readers with sufficient background on the basics of geology, natural science, chemical, and environmental engineering. Moreover, it presents a wide-ranging discussion presented in the author’s comprehensible conversational style describing the impact of land subsidence events on health, sustenance, and society in general, and provides various case studies covering catastrophic land subsidence events. This book is directed at undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, scientists, and the general reading public who would like to gain a broad multidisciplinary view of one of the greatest challenges of our generation. • Describes the impact of land subsidence events on health, sustenance, and society in general. • Provides various case studies covering catastrophic land subsidence events.




Open-file Report


Book Description