Study finds suburbs show signs of sinking

Fast-growing suburbs in the Houston area are sinking at “significant rates,” primarily because of groundwater and oil and gas withdrawal pumping, a recent study conducted by a University of Houston geology professor has found.

The study, led by professor Shuhab Khan and published earlier this year in the academic journal Remote Sensing, found substantial subsidence in The Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Fresno and Mont Belvieu.

Subsidence left unchecked could threaten the foundations of homes and leave the area at a greater risk of flooding, Khan wrote in the study.

Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Cement road pulls apart Thursday on Cochran’s Crossing in The Woodlands.