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NDTV
7 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
Why Is The Historic Egyptian City Of Alexandria Crumbling? Study Explains
The Egyptian port city of Alexandria is crumbling, with buildings collapsing due to rising sea levels, a study has found. The historic city, known for being the birthplace of Cleopatra and housing the ancient Library of Alexandria, has witnessed 280 buildings collapsing in the past 20 years, owing to coastal erosion. More than 7,000 buildings are currently at risk of collapsing, according to the study published in the journal Earth's Future. Between 2014 and 2020 alone, 86 buildings completely crumbled, and 201 partially collapsed across the 2,300-year-old city, resulting in 85 deaths. "Collapses correlate with areas undergoing chronic and severe shoreline erosion and sea level rise, accelerating seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers," the study highlighted. For the study, scientists collected data through site visits, government reports, news archives and statements from private construction companies. Afterwards, they combined satellite imagery with historical maps from 1887, 1959 and 2001 to track shoreline movement. Additionally, the researchers analysed isotopes in soil samples to examine the effects of seawater intrusion. They measured isotopes like B7, whose higher levels indicate stronger, more stable soil, while lower levels suggest erosion. The crumbling is caused by seawater intruding into the groundwater under the city. As the saltwater moves inland due to rising sea levels, it increases groundwater levels beneath buildings and erodes the soil. "The true cost of this loss extends far beyond bricks and mortar. We are witnessing the gradual disappearance of historic coastal cities, with Alexandria sounding the alarm. What once seemed like distant climate risks are now a present reality," study co-author Essam Heggy, a water scientist at the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering. The scientists have proposed a nature-based solution to combat coastal erosion and seawater intrusion. They suggest creating sand dunes and vegetation barriers along the coastline to block encroaching seawater and prevent seawater intrusion. This way, the groundwater levels will not be pushed into building foundations.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Ancient city once home to Cleopatra is disappearing at an unprecedented rate: 'Sounding the alarm'
For over 2,300 years, the Egyptian city of Alexandria has stood as a hub of history, culture, and innovation. Once home to the fabled Library of Alexandria and the birthplace of Cleopatra, the city has weathered the rise and fall of empires. Today, Alexandria faces a new and unprecedented threat — not from war or politics, but from the encroaching sea. Over the past two decades, rising sea levels have caused 280 buildings to collapse, with the rate of destruction surging from about one per year to as many as 40 annually, according to a study published in Earth's Future and relayed by Live Science. According to recent studies, at least 7,000 more structures in the city are at risk. Between 2014 and 2020 alone, partial or total building collapses resulted in 85 deaths, per the study. Researchers warn that Alexandria is just one of many coastal cities facing this crisis. "The true cost of this loss extends far beyond bricks and mortar," study co-author Essam Heggy said, according to Live Science. "We are witnessing the gradual disappearance of historic coastal cities, with Alexandria sounding the alarm." Alexandria's collapse is a stark reminder that rising sea levels aren't a distant threat — they're reshaping our world right now. As seawater creeps inland, it weakens building foundations by eroding soil and corroding steel reinforcements, putting entire communities at risk. Global sea levels have risen by about 8-9 inches since 1880, with a 4-inch increase since 1993 alone, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If pollution levels remain high, sea levels could surge another 7.2 feet by 2100, threatening millions of people living in low-lying coastal cities. Researchers caution that this isn't just an Alexandria problem — it's a global one. Coastal areas in the U.S., from Florida to California, are also at risk of erosion, flooding, and infrastructure failure. "Our study challenges the common misconception that we'll only need to worry when sea levels rise by a meter," Heggy said in a statement. "Coastlines globally… are already changing and causing building collapses at an unprecedented rate." While the situation is urgent, there are solutions that can help slow and mitigate the damage. Some experts suggest elevating buildings on stilts or reinforced foundations to reduce the impact of seawater intrusion. In high-risk areas, urban planners are considering relocating residents to safer locations to prevent further loss of life and infrastructure. Do you think your house could withstand a hurricane? No way Maybe a weak one I'm not sure It definitely could Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. On a larger scale, addressing the root cause of rising sea levels is crucial. Reducing heat-trapping pollution by transitioning to clean energy sources, cutting methane gas pollution, and protecting coastal wetlands can help slow the pace of rising waters. Governments and communities worldwide are already implementing adaptation strategies, but without global action, cities like Alexandria may continue to suffer irreversible damage. Alexandria's fate serves as a wake-up call: The choices we make today will shape the future of our cities, coastlines, and cultural heritage. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
