Subsidenced

Subsidence is the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land. This can be caused by various factors, including the removal of subsurface materials like water or minerals, tectonic activity, or the compaction of underlying soils. It results in a lowering of the ground surface, often accompanied by cracks, fissures, or changes in drainage patterns. The severity of subsidence can range from minor, barely noticeable settlements to catastrophic collapses leading to significant property damage and environmental hazards.

Subsidenced meaning with examples

• In Venice, the continuous withdrawal of groundwater has led to significant subsidence, causing the city's historic buildings to sink into the lagoon. This gradual sinking has necessitated expensive preservation efforts and raised concerns about the city's long-term viability as it sinks lower and lower due to the land subsiding below sea level.
• The construction of underground tunnels often leads to subsidence above, especially if proper engineering measures aren't implemented to reinforce the surrounding earth. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure situated above the tunnel, with the ground above the tunnel showing signs of subsiding and crumbling.
• Following the earthquake, parts of the coastal region experienced rapid subsidence as the underlying tectonic plates shifted and compacted. This caused coastal flooding and further damage to already weakened structures, with the coastline of the coastal regions undergoing a large change due to subsidence.
• Agricultural practices, such as intensive irrigation and the draining of wetlands, can contribute to land subsidence by compacting the soil and depleting groundwater resources. This can result in reduced agricultural productivity, with the soil's composition and land characteristics undergoing a significant change due to subsidence.