That’s almost sort of true in an odd way: Until satellite mapping, the only thing to compare an altitude to was sea level, so if the sea got deeper, the land was sinking (relatively speaking).
Of course the issue isn’t altitude. The issue is how many people (and their infrastructure) live within a few feet of sea level. Raise the water OR sink the land a couple of feet and all of a sudden most major cities are under water (at the sidewalk level)
In some areas both are true. All of south Florida is sinking as the North American Continent adjusts to unloading after the last ice age. Much of Canada and the Great Lakes area is rising while Florida sinks. A few years ago Laser rangefinding off the moon showed that there is also regional subsidence south of I-10 from New Orleans to west of Houston. Based on the geologic record the whole area will eventually slide into the Gulf of Mexico. It won’t happen for many lifetimes, but it is likely to be a problem for the Houston area in the foreseeable future.
RAGs over 4 years ago
That should be Trump, McConnell and company.
Ontman over 4 years ago
Doesn’t it bother anyone that Trump IS now equated with the United States?
Dtroutma over 4 years ago
Put Bonespurs in there on a firing range and put a target on that big butt.
Concretionist over 4 years ago
That’s almost sort of true in an odd way: Until satellite mapping, the only thing to compare an altitude to was sea level, so if the sea got deeper, the land was sinking (relatively speaking).
Of course the issue isn’t altitude. The issue is how many people (and their infrastructure) live within a few feet of sea level. Raise the water OR sink the land a couple of feet and all of a sudden most major cities are under water (at the sidewalk level)
Curiosity Premium Member over 4 years ago
In some areas both are true. All of south Florida is sinking as the North American Continent adjusts to unloading after the last ice age. Much of Canada and the Great Lakes area is rising while Florida sinks. A few years ago Laser rangefinding off the moon showed that there is also regional subsidence south of I-10 from New Orleans to west of Houston. Based on the geologic record the whole area will eventually slide into the Gulf of Mexico. It won’t happen for many lifetimes, but it is likely to be a problem for the Houston area in the foreseeable future.