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Global land subsidence mapping reveals widespread loss of aquifer storage capacity

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Fahim Hasan & Ryan Smith & Sanaz Vajedian & Rahel Pommerenke & Sayantan Majumdar, 2023. "Global land subsidence mapping reveals widespread loss of aquifer storage capacity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-41933-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41933-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ryan Smith & Rosemary Knight & Scott Fendorf, 2018. "Overpumping leads to California groundwater arsenic threat," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-6, December.
    2. James J. Butler & Donald O. Whittemore & B. Brownie Wilson & Geoffrey C. Bohling, 2018. "Sustainability of aquifers supporting irrigated agriculture: a case study of the High Plains aquifer in Kansas," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(6), pages 815-828, August.
    3. Tom Gleeson & Yoshihide Wada & Marc F. P. Bierkens & Ludovicus P. H. van Beek, 2012. "Water balance of global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint," Nature, Nature, vol. 488(7410), pages 197-200, August.
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