The weight of New York’s skyscrapers causes the city to sink even lower under water. Scientists from the US Geological Survey (USGS) found that it is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimeters per year. The study was published in the journal Earth’s Future.

To determine the exact figure, the scientists counted all the buildings in the city (1084954) and their total mass (762 billion kilograms). They then built several computer models of different soil conditions and compared the results with satellite data. It turned out that they were approximately the same.

Moreover, some parts of the city are sinking much faster. For example, Lower Manhattan is sinking at a rate of 2.1 millimeters per year. Brooklyn and Queens are also at high risk.

However, the weight of skyscrapers is only an aggravating factor. The threat of rising sea levels along the Atlantic coast of North America is still considered the primary threat. Here are the authors of the working note, this indicator is 3-4 times higher than the world average.

They warn that by 2100 New York could sink 48-150 centimeters. While these are small numbers globally, gradual waters make the city vulnerable to flooding.