SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. — A recent investigation has revealed that nearly 35 high-rise condominiums and luxurious hotels situated along the South Florida coastline are experiencing unexpected sinking or settling, with some of this phenomenon linked to nearby construction activities. The study encompasses a nearly 12-mile stretch that extends from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles Beach, showing that these structures have subsided by measurements ranging from 0.8 to 3.1 inches (2 to 8 cm). Significantly, around half of these buildings are relatively new, constructed within the last decade, as per researchers from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, with the findings published recently.

Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani, the lead researcher, expressed surprise at the extent of subsidence hotspots identified along the South Florida coast. In their statement, Zanjani noted, “The discovery of such significant subsidence was not anticipated. This highlights the urgent need for continued monitoring and an improved understanding of the long-term consequences for these structures.” Although it is typical for buildings to experience minor settlement during or shortly after construction, the scientists were taken aback by the observation that some changes occurred several years later.

The geological composition beneath the South Florida beachfront consists of limestone intermixed with sand layers; this mixture can shift under the significant weight of high-rise structures, exacerbated by vibrations from ongoing construction. Researchers identified that tidal movements and projects as distant as 1,050 feet (320 meters) away have also contributed to the observed settling. Utilizing satellite imagery, the study highlighted that the most pronounced sinking was evident in buildings located in Sunny Isles Beach. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests similar issues may be occurring further north along the beaches in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Included in the survey were communities such as Surfside, which was the site of a tragic building collapse in June 2021 that resulted in the loss of 98 lives. Investigations into that incident indicate that it was primarily caused by deteriorating reinforced concrete, attributed to poor upkeep and design flaws. However, the event underscored the necessity for comprehensive monitoring of building stability, particularly in coastal regions facing corrosive environmental conditions, as pointed out by the researchers involved in the study.

The researchers are keen to pursue further analysis to ascertain if different parts of the affected buildings are sinking at dissimilar rates. This discrepancy could potentially lead to structural complications such as wall cracks or utility failures, posing risks of long-term damage. In a related vein, a different study conducted earlier this year demonstrated that several key urban areas along the Atlantic Coast are also experiencing sinking. This research, conducted by Virginia Tech and the U.S. Geological Survey, has found that certain regions of New York City, Long Island, Baltimore, and Virginia Beach are sinking at rates outpacing the rise of seawater.