Scientists Say San Francisco Bay Area Is Sinking

Like other reclaimed land around the world, the ground is sinking because of sediment compaction—at a rate of 0.4 inches per year in some areas.

The skyline of San Fransisco, Calif., on March 25, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

A recent NASA-led study revealed that certain areas along California’s coast are sinking. Although the change in elevation may be small, researchers said it could eventually affect the coastal community through increased flooding or other risks.

In the report released on Feb. 10, the San Francisco Bay Area—specifically San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City, and Bay Farm Island—is seeing “the land subsiding at a steady rate of more than 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) per year due largely to sediment compaction.”