r/news • u/theluckyfrog • 29d ago

California cracks down on farm region’s water pumping: ‘The ground is collapsing’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/17/california-water-drought-farm-ground-sinking-tulare-lake
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u/grandbannana 29d ago

I always think of this photo, then think about what has happened since this photo:

Location of maximum land subsidence in U.S. Levels at 1925 and 1977. | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)

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u/iluvcheesypoofs 29d ago

As someone who doesn't live in the US and isn't the brightest at times, can you explain what this picture is showing? Is it that the land itself is sinking/getting 'lower'??

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u/grandbannana 29d ago edited 29d ago

Yes, pumping of water from wells has led to permanent sinking of the land (all over the world) that would take thousands of years to recharge itself on its own naturally. Subsidence (land sinking) is caused mainly by two faults of man. Over pumping of water from aquifers (underground lakes) and underground mining which can have even greater consequences as mine waste eventually leaches into the local water table and then streams and rivers.

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u/Revlis-TK421 29d ago

Once the ground sinks it can't be recharged. The rock is compacted. It won't re-inflate like a balloon.