Galveston, Texasexperience a accelerated land subsidencea phenomenon that, combined with the sea level risehas intensified the floods and structural damage in the region. According to a report from Washington Postthis situation generates concern among experts and residents due to its impact on the infrastructure and the daily life of the population.
Land subsidence in the city is the result of natural processes and human activities, such as groundwater extraction. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this phenomenon is common in coastal areas and can cause the progressive sinking of urban areas, increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Furthermore, the rise in sea level in the Gulf of Mexico aggravates the problem. The National Oceanic Administration and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that sea level has risen 15 centimeters since 1950, which has increased the frequency of floods in Galveston. These combined factors have led authorities to seek solutions to mitigate the associated risks.
Land subsidence in Galveston has generated concern among experts due to its relationship with land subsidence and sea rise. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), subsidence on the Gulf of Mexico coast is primarily due to groundwater extraction and sediment compaction. In the case of Galveston, this process has caused some areas of the island to drop several centimeters per year.
He sea level rise It is another factor that aggravates the situation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that sea level along the Texas coast has risen approximately 15 centimeters since 1950, with the trend continuing to rise. This increase, together with subsidence, has generated a significant impact on the frequency and intensity of floods in the region.
The subsidence of the land and the sea level rise have intensified the floods by high tides and tropical storms. According to the Washington Postflood events in Galveston have increased in recent decades, affecting infrastructure and homes. The hurricane season, which occurs annually between June and November, has wreaked havoc on the city, with torrential rains and storm surge that exceed existing levels of protection.
One of the most notable effects has been the deterioration of coastal structures and beach erosion. According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), erosion of the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico is advancing between 60 and 90 centimeters per year in some areas, exacerbating Galveston’s vulnerability to events. extreme climates.
Local authorities have adopted various strategies to reduce the impact of floods in Galveston. One of the main measures has been the construction of pumping stations to drain water accumulated during storms and high tides. According to the city of Galveston, each station requires investments of tens of millions of dollars and their maintenance involves high operating costs.
In addition, the Galveston seawall, built in 1904 after the hurricane of 1900, remains one of the main barriers against floods. However, this wall only protects a third of the island, leaving other areas of the city exposed. According to a report from Texas A&M University in Galveston, current structures are not sufficient to face the sea level rise and the storm surge of major hurricanes.
In response to the vulnerability of the region, the project was proposed Ike Dikea coastal barrier designed to reduce the impact of storm surge in Galveston Bay and the Houston region. This plan was devised by Professor Bill Merrell of Texas A&M University in Galvestonafter the damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
The project includes a 5.18 meter high barrier that would extend along the coast, in addition to raising roads and expanding the sea wall. According to the Texas A&M Universityhe Ike Dike seeks to provide comprehensive protection to avoid human and economic losses in the event of future hurricanes.
Financing the project has been a challenge, due to its high cost estimated at more than $30 billion. However, the United States Congress has approved initial funding for feasibility and planning studies. According to him US Army Corps of Engineersthe implementation of Ike Dike could take more than a decade to complete.
The land subsidence in Galveston, along with the sea level riseposes long-term challenges for the city and other coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA warns that if current trends continue, sea level could rise an additional 30 to 60 centimeters by the end of the century, increasing the risk of floods permanent in several urban areas.
Experts point out that the combination of infrastructure strategies, such as Ike Dikewith nature-based solutions such as wetland and dune restoration, could help reduce the impacts of storm surge and erosion. However, the costs and execution time of these projects remain significant obstacles.
