Course:EOSC311/2022/Mexico City is sinking

Mexico City basin land properties have caused the city to sink. According to Mayoral et al. (2019) the unique soil conditions of the area have a strong correlation to an increased seismic risk. The Popocatepetl volcano which is an active stratovolcano is present in the area. Land characteristics such as tectonic-earthquakes prevalence, poor soil conditions and volcanic activity may increase the risks to civilians (Ovando-Shelley et al., 2006, Tarraga et al., 2012). Understanding the land characteristics may allow civilians to have a better seismic response (Ovando-Shelley et al., 2006).

Statement of connection and why you chose it

Earthquakes are one of the biggest and most impactful natural disasters across the world. They are considered one of the natural disasters linked with the most deaths. Oftentimes, society fails to understand that our actions may be also being a causal factor to their increasing occurrence. As being someone who was born and raised in a city with earthquake vulnerability, understanding the risks and mitigation strategies is important to increase quality of life and survival.

Main text

Map Example

Introduction to the land properties in Mexico City basin Increased urban stress on the land. Settlement of aquifer system (Cigna and Tapete, 2020).

History of natural disasters and risks factors the area Mexico City is among the cities with the fastest sinking globally (Cigna and Tapete 2020). There is 1.5 million inhabitants in the area, and flood exposure could affect up to 751,000 properties. Vulnerability to architectural cracking.

Connection between soil properties, tectonic plates and effects on the urban area Deformation of cohesive soils (Cigna and Tapete, 2020). Losses of soil electrical conductivity (Naeem and Begum, 2020). Ground and building conditions increasing risk factors (Mayoral et al., 2019).

Risk mitigation strategies Hydraulic jacks mitigating seismic stress and risks to earthquakes. Decrease water extraction on Mexico City basin.

Conclusion / Your Evaluation of the Connections

There are many strategies available to decrease land subsidence in the Mexico City basin. Nevertheless the city must continue to adapt infrastructure and aquifer systems to mitigate the risks. Understanding soil conditions may improve quality of life and survival.

References

Naeem, Z., and Begum, S. (2020). Impact of seasonal variations on soil electrical conductivity as an earthquake precursor along the Margalla Fault Line, Islamabad. Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering 137. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0267726119315921

Mayoral, J.M., Asimaki, D., Tepalcapa, S., Wood, C., Roman-de la Sancha, A., Hutchinson, T., Franke, K., and Montalva G. (2019). Site effects in Mexico City basin: Past and present. Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering 121, 369-382. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0267726118309746

Marta, T., De la Cruz-Reyna, S., Mendoza-Rosas, A., Carniel, R., Martínez-Bringas, A. (2012). Dynamical parameter analysis of continuous seismic signals of Popocatepetl volcano (Central Mexico): A case of tectonic earthquakes influencing volcanic activity. Acta geophysics 60(3), 644-681. Retrieved from: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1013451560?accountid=14656&pq-origsite=summon&forcedol=true

Ovando-Shelley, E., Ossa, A., and Romo, M.P. (2007). The sinking of Mexico City: Its effects on soil properties and seismic response. Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering 27(4), 333-343. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0267726106001527

Cigna, F., and Tapete, D. (2021). Present-day land subsidence rates, surface faulting hazard and risk in Mexico City with 2014-2020 Sentinel-1 IW InSAR. Remote sensing of environment 253. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034425720305344