Mexico City Is Sinking Into The Lake It Destroyed

Mexico City is built on the former lakebed of Lake Texcoco, and today parts of the city are sinking by tens of centimeters every year. The reason is a combination of its ancient lake environment, extremely soft clay, groundwater extraction, and centuries of attempts to drain the Valley of Mexico. This documentary explains the fascinating history behind Mexico City's sinking ground, from the Mexica city of Tenochtitlan and its canals, causeways, dikes and chinampas to the massive drainage projects that transformed the ancient lake system. We also examine land subsidence, groundwater depletion, differential sinking, damaged buildings, broken water pipes, flooding, and why the city's dependence on underground water is making the problem worse. The story of Mexico City is more than an urban disaster. It is a lesson in what can happen when a city transforms the natural environment beneath it — and then has to live with the consequences centuries later. Topics covered: Mexico City sinking, Lake Texcoco, Tenochtitlan, groundwater extraction, land subsidence, Mexico City water crisis, ancient lakebed, urban sinking, Mexico flooding, and the history of Mexico City. #MexicoCity #LandSubsidence #LakeTexcoco