How is land subsidence related to a rise in human population?
Land subsidence is closely related to a rise in human population due to the increased demand for resources and infrastructure development. As more people inhabit an area, there is a higher demand for water, which can lead to overextraction of groundwater. This excessive pumping of underground water can cause the soil to compact and settle, resulting in land subsidence.
In addition, urbanization and development often involve the construction of buildings, roads, and other structures, which adds weight to the land and can further contribute to subsidence. The increased concentration of buildings and infrastructure in urban areas can also lead to localized subsidence due to the redistribution of groundwater.
Therefore, as the human population grows and more land is developed to accommodate this growth, the risk of land subsidence also increases. It is important for planners and policymakers to consider the potential impacts of development on the land and implement sustainable land use practices to mitigate the risk of subsidence.