NASA satellite data has revealed new details about the ongoing subsidence affecting Mexico City, showing that different areas of the metropolitan region are sinking at dramatically different rates.

According to the new NASA mapping, some areas of Mexico City are registering subsidence rates of up to 2 centimeters per month. The satellite observations demonstrate that the sinking is occurring unevenly across the sprawling urban area, rather than at a uniform rate.

Mexico City has long struggled with ground subsidence, a phenomenon primarily caused by the extraction of groundwater from underground aquifers. As water is pumped out faster than it can be naturally replenished, the ground above compacts and sinks.

The uneven nature of the subsidence poses particular challenges for urban planning and infrastructure maintenance. Areas experiencing faster sinking rates may face greater risks to buildings, roads, and utility systems compared to more stable zones.

NASA's satellite technology allows scientists to measure ground movement with high precision across large geographic areas, providing detailed maps that help researchers and city planners better understand the scope and variability of the subsidence problem affecting one of the world's largest metropolitan areas.