Scientist tackles China's "sinking cities" problem

are also improving the models in order to make predictions,” he said.

“This technique is just one tool in the risk-assessment box. It allows us to map and identify priority areas,” said Sowter. “It is based on the use of radar satellites that are constantly monitoring and measuring the earth’s surface from up in space. China is about to launch its own radar satellite to further enhance its disaster management and response satellites, which will be an important addition to its humanitarian mission,” he noted.

Sowter said the technology he is developing can be applied to other risks associated with land, like earthquake zones, high-risk flood areas, land deformation from mining, and glacier movements. It can, for example, help authorities prevent landslides by detecting where land is starting to move at the stage when changes are slight.

The University of Nottingham Ningbo, China scientist has also commenced research on the coastal city of Ningbo to assess the extent to which it might be sinking.

An underground rail system is being constructed to accommodate the estimated 8m-plus population of greater Ningbo, which like Shanghai has developed rapidly and is on water-logged land.

Sowter said: “The authorities in China are very aware of the issues and have been actively working to reduce risks. For example, our latest findings show that the Shanghai authorities are doing an excellent job in making sure skyscrapers are not being built in the highest-risk areas.

“In some areas the land has risen, which is a sure sign that large constructions have been reinforced by builders who are fully aware of the subsidence problem,” he said.

A snapshot of results for Shanghai’s PuDong International Airport, however, shows the picture is different for its newest terminal, opened in March 2008.

“What the green dots are telling us is that Terminal 2 is likely to be subsiding at a rate of around 2.5mm a year compared to Terminal 1, which opened in 1999,” said Sowter.

“It probably indicates settling of the buildings following construction but, certainly, the airport authorities should be made aware of this,” he said.

Also taking strain on the Shanghai soil, it seems, is one of the city’s major traffic intersections.

“An elevated road, the Zongshan Bei Lu cuts across some of the areas that are subsiding the most in Shanghai and contains a major elevated junction, Gonghe Xin Lu overpass.

“The possible subsidence here is only about 3mm/year and is very well known and understood by the authorities. However, the maps that we produce around areas like these can only help to improve the monitoring and prediction of any risks,” said Sowter.

Professor Nabil Gindy, vice-provost for research and dean of the graduate school at UNNC, said: “The University is delighted to be involved in collaborative research projects like these that have important positive outcomes for the communities around us.

“We are committed to fostering the broader social good, at the local and national level in the countries in which we operate, as well as internationally,” he said.

Professor Gindy added: “We aim for all our research to be highly relevant for current challenges and to make a significant global impact. Our vision is to be recognized around the world for our signature contributions and innovation in developing technologies.”