Up to 2cm a month: Nasa keeps track as Mexico City sinks into the ground
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
NASA and ISRO's NISAR satellite is providing real-time data on Mexico City's subsidence, revealing sinking rates of up to 2cm per month due to groundwater extraction.
Background
The NISAR satellite, a joint project by NASA and ISRO, detects minute changes in Earth's surface. Mexico City, home to 22 million people, is sinking due to centuries of groundwater extraction from its ancient lake bed.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TNISAR: A joint satellite mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- FactMexico City subsidence rate: Up to 2cm per month in some areas
- PlaceMexico City: Sinking due to groundwater extraction from an ancient lake bed
For Mains
Q. Discuss how satellite remote sensing and space technology can assist in monitoring and mitigating urban environmental hazards like land subsidence.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Resource-urban conflict: Balancing the immediate water needs of 22 million residents against long-term geological stability
- Technological intervention: Utilizing NISAR's high-resolution surface change detection for early warning systems
- Geological vulnerability: Impact of historical groundwater extraction on urban infrastructure and metro systems
Keywords: Remote Sensing · Land Subsidence · Groundwater Depletion · Satellite Imagery · Urban Resilience
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