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Article
Space Geodetic Imaging of Rapid Ground Subsidence in Mexico City
Geological Society of America Bulletin
  • Enrique Cabral-Cano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
  • Timothy H. Dixon, University of Miami
  • Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, Florida International University
  • Oscar Díaz-Molina, Ciudad Universitaria
  • Osvaldo Sánchez-Zamora, Ciudad Universitaria
  • Richard E. Carande, Neva Ridge Technologies
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2008
Keywords
  • subsidence,
  • interferometry,
  • GPS,
  • SAR,
  • Mexico Basin
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1130/B26001.1
Disciplines
Abstract

Since the late 1950s, several areas of Mexico City have undergone accelerated ground subsidence and have developed associated fracturing and faulting. New interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and global positioning system (GPS) data indicate that rates of current land subsidence in Mexico City exceed 350 mm/yr. These rates are close to historical maximum levels of the mid-twentieth century, when mitigation efforts were first undertaken to reduce damage to urban infrastructure. The locus of maximum subsidence has shifted from its historical location in the old city center to the east. Correlation of our InSAR results with seismically mapped stratigraphic units suggests that subsidence is primarily controlled by compaction of Quaternary lacustrine clays and silts. We also evaluate spatial gradients in subsidence and suggest that this, rather than subsidence magnitude, is the key factor in risk assessment. Subsidence represents a major geologic risk for Mexico City and imposes serious constraints to any further urban development.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 120, issues 11-12, p. 1556-1566

Citation Information
Enrique Cabral-Cano, Timothy H. Dixon, Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, Oscar Díaz-Molina, et al.. "Space Geodetic Imaging of Rapid Ground Subsidence in Mexico City" Geological Society of America Bulletin Vol. 120 Iss. 1-2 (2008) p. 1556 - 1566
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/timothydixon/143/