Scientists have issued a warning about a hidden danger lurking beneath the surface of US cities like Chicago and New York. A team from Northwestern University has termed this new phenomenon “underground climate change,” attributing it to the heat produced by manmade structures such as tunnels, parking garages, and sewers. These rising temperatures result in the ground swelling, contracting, sinking, and cracking, causing buildings on the surface to shift.
The researchers focused their study on Chicago and found that since 1951, the city has experienced a temperature increase of 5.6 degrees Fahrenheit. They predict that by 2051, the city will sink eight millimeters and swell by 12 millimeters. Although these changes may seem subtle, they have the potential to disrupt infrastructure and other surface operations.
To reach these conclusions, the team set up a network of sensors both below and above the surface of Chicago to measure underground temperatures. Northwestern’s Alessandro F. Rotta Loria, the study’s lead researcher, explained that while this phenomenon may not directly threaten people’s safety, it will severely impact the normal functioning of foundational systems and civil infrastructure. To collect data, the team strategically placed over 150 temperature sensors across the Chicago Loop, including basements, subway tunnels, underground garages, and subsurface streets like Lower Wacker Drive.
The research revealed that temperatures below the Loop can be up to 10 degrees warmer than temperatures beneath Grant Park. The heat generated by manmade structures underground is released into the layers of the earth, causing the ground to swell, contract, sink, and crack. Rotta Loria referred to Chicago as a “living laboratory” but emphasized that underground climate change is a widespread issue affecting urban areas like New York City. Rotta Loria cited New York City’s sinking, attributed to climate change and rising sea levels, as an example.
Using the collected temperature data, the team conducted simulations to predict temperature changes until 2051. These simulations demonstrated that warmer temperatures could cause the ground to expand upwards by up to 12 millimeters and contract downwards, leading to up to 8 millimeters of sinking beneath the weight of buildings. While these changes may occur gradually, they can significantly impact the functioning of foundations and lead to the shifting of buildings over time.
The researchers stress the importance of addressing these issues promptly, pointing out that the consequences for structures and infrastructure can be severe but may take a long time to become apparent. Additionally, the team believes that the presence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan helps mitigate ground temperature increases by absorbing waste heat.
Rotta Loria noted that underground climate change is unlikely to affect major European cities to the same extent due to the age of their buildings. European cities with older buildings made of stone and bricks, constructed using past design and construction practices, are particularly vulnerable to the thermal disruptions caused by subsurface heat islands.
In conclusion, the team’s research highlights the impacts of underground climate change on US cities and emphasizes the need to address this issue to prevent long-term damage to infrastructure and the structural integrity of buildings.
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