Global land subsidence mapping reveals widespread loss of aquifer storage capacity

Md Fahim Hasan (), Ryan Smith, Sanaz Vajedian, Rahel Pommerenke and Sayantan Majumdar
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Md Fahim Hasan: Colorado State University
Ryan Smith: Colorado State University
Sanaz Vajedian: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rahel Pommerenke: Colorado State University
Sayantan Majumdar: Desert Research Institute

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Groundwater overdraft gives rise to multiple adverse impacts including land subsidence and permanent groundwater storage loss. Existing methods are unable to characterize groundwater storage loss at the global scale with sufficient resolution to be relevant for local studies. Here we explore the interrelation between groundwater stress, aquifer depletion, and land subsidence using remote sensing and model-based datasets with a machine learning approach. The developed model predicts global land subsidence magnitude at high spatial resolution (~2 km), provides a first-order estimate of aquifer storage loss due to consolidation of ~17 km3/year globally, and quantifies key drivers of subsidence. Roughly 73% of the mapped subsidence occurs over cropland and urban areas, highlighting the need for sustainable groundwater management practices over these areas. The results of this study aid in assessing the spatial extents of subsidence in known subsiding areas, and in locating unknown groundwater stressed regions.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41933-z

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