Download or read book Land Subsidence in the United States written by Devin L. Galloway and published by Geological Survey (USGS). This book was released on 1999 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Land subsidence (LS) is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface owing to subsurface movement of earth materials. More than 80% of the identified LS in the nation is due to our exploitation of underground water (UW). This report illustrates the 3 basic mechanisms by which human influence on UW causes land subsidence: compaction of aquifer systems, dewatering of organic soils, and mass wasting through dissolution and collapse of susceptible earth materials. Also examines the role that water-management groups play in mitigating subsidence damages. Color and B&W photos, maps, and drawings.