NASA-Led Study Pinpoints Areas Sinking, Rising Along California Coast
Published February 10, 2025
A new study led by NASA scientists has identified areas along the California coast that are sinking and rising, providing valuable information for coastal planning and hazard mitigation.
Using satellite radar data, the researchers measured changes in ground elevation along the entire California coast from 2015 to 2022. They found that some areas are sinking by as much as 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) per year, while others are rising by up to 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) per year.
The study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, is the most comprehensive assessment of coastal elevation change in California to date. It provides important insights into the factors that are driving these changes and the potential hazards they pose.
“This study gives us a better understanding of how the California coast is changing and what the future may hold,” said lead author Dr. Roland Bürgmann, a professor of geophysics at the University of California, Berkeley. “This information can help us make better decisions about how to protect our coastal communities and infrastructure.”
The researchers found that the areas that are sinking are primarily located in southern California, particularly in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. These areas are underlain by soft sediment that is prone to compaction, which occurs when the weight of the overlying material compresses the sediment and causes it to lose volume.
The areas that are rising are primarily located in northern California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. These areas are underlain by bedrock that is more resistant to compaction.
The researchers also found that the rate of elevation change is accelerating in some areas. For example, the area around Los Angeles is sinking at a rate of about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) per year, which is twice the rate observed in the previous decade.
The acceleration in the rate of elevation change is likely due to a combination of factors, including increasing population and development, which adds weight to the overlying sediment, and rising sea levels, which can increase the pore pressure in the sediment and make it more susceptible to compaction.
The study’s findings have important implications for coastal planning and hazard mitigation. For example, the information can be used to identify areas that are at risk of flooding or landslides, and to develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
“This study is a valuable resource for coastal planners and decision-makers,” said co-author Dr. Gregory deWet, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “It provides them with the information they need to make informed decisions about how to protect our coastal communities and infrastructure.”
The study is part of NASA’s Earth Science Program, which funds research to improve our understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes.
NASA-Led Study Pinpoints Areas Sinking, Rising Along California Coast
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