How fast is New Orleans sinking?

According to NASA and Tulane University researchers, the Crescent City is sinking at a rate of 1-2 inches per year.

What is causing New Orleans to sink?

New Orleans is built on soft, marshy land formed by centuries of Mississippi River sediment. Natural subsidence, as well as human interventions like flood control levees, have contributed to the city's sinking.

How will rising sea levels impact New Orleans?

Rising sea levels are inundating the wetlands that once acted as a natural buffer, leaving New Orleans even more vulnerable to flooding and storm surges. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects sea levels to rise 1.4 to 2.8 feet by the end of this century, with a worst-case scenario of nearly 7 feet.

Home / Environment / Crescent City Sinking: New Orleans Battles Rising Seas and Subsidence

Crescent City Sinking: New Orleans Battles Rising Seas and Subsidence

8 Nov

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Summary

New Orleans sinking 1-2 inches per year due to natural subsidence and human impacts
Rising sea levels exacerbating flooding and storm surge risks for the city
Tulane University receives $3.2 million grant to study sea level rise impacts on military bases

Crescent City Sinking: New Orleans Battles Rising Seas and Subsidence

As of November 2025, one of the country's most unique and culturally vibrant cities, New Orleans, is facing a dual threat of sinking and rising seas. The Crescent City, known for its rich history, art, music, and eclectic cuisine, is sinking at a rate of 1-2 inches per year, according to NASA and researchers at Tulane University.

This sinking, or subsidence, is caused by the city's location on soft, marshy land formed by centuries of Mississippi River sediment. While natural subsidence has long been an issue, human intervention, such as the construction of flood control levees, has exacerbated the problem by interrupting the natural sediment supply.