Land subsidence is the lowering of the land surface elevation from changes that take place under ground. The increase in human activity underground have lead to land subsidence. Human activity is the cause because people are pumping water, oil and gas from under ground. Over drafting of aquifers is the major cause of land subsidence in the southern united states. As ground water pumping increases, so will the land subsidence. land subsidence is going to get worse in the next few years because the population is increasing and people us a lot more water then they need.
When the underground water is pumped the rocks compact because the water is partly responsible for holding the ground up so when the water is taken away the rock falls in on itself. Land subsidence has a huge impact. Land subsidence leads to changes in elevation and slope of streams, canals and drains. It can also lead to damage to bridges, roads, railroads, storm drains, sanitary sewers and leeves. People homes and public buildings will be damaged. More then 80% of the identified subsidence in the nation has occurred because of exploitation of ground water.
Ways to prevent Land Subsidence
People should;
-take very short showers like 5-10 minute showers and no baths and only once a day.
- water flower pots but not grass and if you do water grass only for a small time and do not leave the hose running laying on the grass for a half hour.
-Put a brick or a milk jug filled with gravel in the back part of the toilet that holds water so your toilet does not flush as much water.
-when you need hot water from the tap, put a large container under the faucet while the water is running and you are waiting for it to go warm so the container catches the cold water and keep this water for when you are watering the flower pots.
-fix sinks so they do not leak.
- do not buy a massive pool for the yard unless you are going to actually use it.
-the mega hotels in Las Vegas should not use giant water fountains.
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