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Dozens of buildings along South Florida coast are sinking, UM study finds

But UM professor says no cause for alarm

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ā€“ According to a study published Friday by researchers at the University of Miami, 35 coastal buildings from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach are sinking.

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Professor Gregor Eberli, at UMā€™s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, one of the studyā€™s authors, said the sinking, officially known as ā€œsubsidence,ā€ is not unique to South Florida.

ā€œI think what was a bit surprising in this study is how consistent it was over a long distance of how the ground settled,ā€ Eberli said. ā€œFor example, in New Orleans and Mexico City or Venice is a classic example that the whole city sinks down. Compared to these examples, it is relatively small.ā€

The study came about after the 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside. While researchers didnā€™t find any subsidence there, they did find it elsewhere.

ā€œThe building next to it however, has a pretty high subsidence rate,ā€ Eberli said.

Researchers used satellite imagery to map, down to the millimeter, how much and how fast these buildings are sinking. They looked at satellite data from 2016 to 2023 and found subsidence ranging from 2 to 8 centimeters.

ā€œI was surprised that it happened at all because limestones like we have in Florida are very stable,ā€ Eberli said. ā€œThe rates are not that great.ā€

Eberli says sturdier limestone to the south of the research area does a better job at holding up heavy buildings than on the softer ground to the north.

ā€œThe sand portions will always compact a little bit over time,ā€ he said. ā€œItā€™s very slow motion and the structural integrity will not be changed by sinking it down a little bit.ā€

Eberli said the study should spawn further monitoring efforts and other forms of research. But he said thereā€™s no cause for alarm.

Some of the city leaders that were included in the study say that theyā€™re going to be looking at this.

Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said he wants to bring it up at the next town commission meeting.


About the Author
Liane Morejon headshot

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

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