Analysis of Land Subsidence in Mexico City Caused by Water Depletion

May 6, 2026, 18:30
Latin AmericaEnvironment

Introduction

Mexico City is facing a serious problem with ground subsidence, which is caused by the continuous extraction of groundwater from the aquifers beneath the city.

Main Body

The geological weakness of Mexico City is mainly due to its location on the old basin of Lake Texcoco. The ground consists of clay layers saturated with water; consequently, when groundwater is removed, the soil loses its structural support and compresses permanently. This process is made worse by the weight of urban growth, which puts more pressure on the unstable ground. Technological monitoring using high-precision radar from NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization's NISAR satellite has measured this phenomenon. Data shows that some areas are sinking at rates of nearly 0.8 inches per month. These measurements reveal that the sinking is not uniform, which leads to uneven ground, tilting buildings, and damage to essential infrastructure. For example, steps had to be added to the Angel of Independence monument, and there are concerns about the stability of the runways at Benito Juárez International Airport. Furthermore, there is a direct link between sinking land and water scarcity. Because the city relies on an old aquifer system to support over 20 million people, water is being taken out faster than it can be replaced naturally. This imbalance not only causes the city to sink but also makes it harder to distribute water. Experts have warned about a possible 'Day Zero,' which is the point when water would completely run out for some populations.

Conclusion

Mexico City continues to sink at an increasing rate, which means the city must move toward sustainable urban development and improve its water management policies.

Learning

⚡ The 'Cause & Effect' Upgrade

At the A2 level, you probably use the word 'because' for everything. To reach B2, you need to show how one thing leads to another using more sophisticated links. This article is a goldmine for this.

🛠️ From Basic to B2

Look at how the text connects ideas. Instead of just saying "The water is gone because people take it," the author uses these advanced patterns:

  1. The Result Connector: Consequently

    • Text: "...saturated with water; consequently, when groundwater is removed, the soil loses its structural support..."
    • The Logic: Use this when the second part of your sentence is a direct, logical result of the first. It is the professional version of "so."

  2. The Trigger Phrase: Due to

    • Text: "The geological weakness... is mainly due to its location..."
    • The Logic: While "because" starts a full sentence (subject + verb), "due to" is followed by a noun. It’s a shortcut to explain a reason concisely.

  3. The Connector of Proportion: Which means

    • Text: "...sink at an increasing rate, which means the city must move toward..."
    • The Logic: This is the "bridge." It tells the reader: "I have given you a fact, and here is the a real-world implication of that fact."

🚀 Quick Application

Try to visualize this shift in your own speaking:

  • A2 Style: "It rained a lot, so the street is wet."
  • B2 Style: "There was heavy rainfall; consequently, the street is flooded."
  • B2 Style: "The flood is due to the heavy rainfall."

Pro Tip: Notice the phrase "leads to" in the text ("leads to uneven ground"). This is a high-value B2 verb. Stop saying "makes it happen" and start using "leads to" to describe a chain of events.

Vocabulary Learning

subsidence (n.)
the gradual sinking of land
Example:The city’s subsidence has caused several buildings to tilt.
groundwater (n.)
water that is found underground in aquifers
Example:Groundwater supplies the city’s drinking water.
aquifer (n.)
an underground layer of rock or sediment that holds water
Example:The aquifer beneath Mexico City is being depleted.
geological (adj.)
relating to the earth’s structure and composition
Example:Geological surveys show the area is prone to collapse.
basin (n.)
a low area that collects water or sediment
Example:Mexico City lies on the basin of Lake Texcoco.
saturated (adj.)
completely filled with water or another substance
Example:The clay layers are saturated, making them weak.
consequently (adv.)
as a result; therefore
Example:Consequently, the soil loses support when water is removed.
structural (adj.)
relating to the structure or framework of something
Example:Structural damage was observed in the damaged buildings.
compresses (v.)
presses together or makes smaller by pressure
Example:The soil compresses when water is removed.
permanently (adv.)
lasting for a long time or forever
Example:The damage is permanent and cannot be repaired.
urban (adj.)
relating to a city or densely populated area
Example:Urban growth increases pressure on the ground.
growth (n.)
an increase in size, number, or importance
Example:Population growth adds weight to the soil.
pressure (n.)
the force exerted per unit area
Example:The weight of new buildings creates pressure on the soil.
unstable (adj.)
likely to change, collapse, or become unstable
Example:Unstable ground can cause buildings to tilt.
technological (adj.)
relating to technology or its application
Example:Technological tools help monitor subsidence.
monitoring (n.)
the act of observing or checking something over time
Example:Continuous monitoring detects changes early.
high-precision (adj.)
extremely accurate or exact
Example:High-precision radar measures the sinking rate.
radar (n.)
a system that uses radio waves to detect objects or measure distance
Example:Radar data shows the ground is sinking.
satellite (n.)
an object that orbits a planet or other body
Example:The NISAR satellite provides detailed data.