Is New York City Going Down the Drain?
The Big Apple: A Sinking Ship (or at least a slightly lower island)?
You might have heard the rumors: New York City is sinking. Like, actually sinking. Not in a dramatic, Titanic-style, everyone-grab-a-door kind of way, but more of a slow, steady, "oh-crap-we-might-be-under-water-in-a-few-hundred-years" kind of way.
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| How Much Does Nyc Sink A Year |
How Much Does the Big Apple Shrink Annually?
Let's get down to brass tacks. According to some pretty smart scientists (who probably don't have as much fun as we do), New York City is sinking at a rate of about 1 to 2 millimeters per year. That's about the thickness of a dime, folks. So, if you're planning to invest in scuba gear for your daily commute, you might want to hold off for a bit.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
But why is this happening? Well, blame it on the Ice Age (again!), the weight of those ginormous skyscrapers, and a little thing called groundwater extraction. It's like a perfect storm of sucky circumstances for our beloved concrete jungle.
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Don't Panic (Yet)
Before you start booking flights to higher ground, let's inject some perspective. Two millimeters a year is not exactly a sprint towards Atlantis. Plus, there are plenty of other cities around the world facing similar issues. So, New York isn't exactly alone in its downward spiral.
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And let's be honest, if the city does eventually end up underwater, it would make for one hell of a party. Imagine underwater skyscrapers, mermaid-themed bars, and fish-shaped hot dog carts. The possibilities are endless!
How to Save New York (or at least slow it down)
So, what can we do to prevent New York from becoming the next Venice? Well, there are a few things:
- Reduce groundwater extraction: This means using less water, especially for things like watering lawns and filling swimming pools.
- Build lighter buildings: Okay, this might be a bit tricky for a city known for its skyscrapers, but it's definitely something to consider for future construction.
- Invest in coastal defenses: Sea walls, floodgates, and other protective measures can help to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.
- Embrace water-based transportation: Canals, gondolas, and underwater taxis, anyone? Just kidding (kind of).
- Start practicing your mermaid impression: Just in case.
How to...
- How to stop worrying about NYC sinking? Focus on the things you can control, like enjoying the city while it's still above water.
- How to prepare for a watery New York? Learn to swim, invest in a good snorkel, and start practicing your underwater handshakes.
- How to make money off a sinking city? Sell overpriced waterfront property (just kidding again... or am I?)
- How to build an underwater skyscraper? Consult with an architect who's also a marine biologist.
- How to survive on fish-based diet? Practice eating sushi every day for a year.
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