Subsidence, as a geophysical phenomenon, refers to the downward vertical displacement or gradual sinking of the Earth’s surface relative to a reference datum, driven by processes that reduce support in the underlying materials. Mechanisms include natural compaction of sediments, dissolution of soluble rocks (e.g., karst), tectonic extension, crustal loading and unloading, and anthropogenic drivers such as groundwater, hydrocarbons, or geothermal fluid extraction, as well as mining-induced void creation. Subsidence is quantified using geodetic and remote sensing techniques (e.g., GNSS, InSAR) and significantly influences stress fields, surface drainage, infrastructure stability, and hazard assessment in both natural and urban environments.
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