Virginia Tech Study Finds Land Subsidence Around Chesapeake Bay

Report shows cities like Hampton sinking at rate of 2.3 millimeters per year

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A new study by researchers at Virginia Tech has found that land around the Chesapeake Bay is gradually sinking, with the Hampton Roads region experiencing the highest rates of subsidence. The study, which used satellite data to precisely measure surface movements, cites groundwater withdrawal and tectonic activity as potential causes for the sinking trend.

Why it matters

This land subsidence, combined with rising sea levels, poses significant challenges for coastal communities around the Chesapeake Bay. As the ground sinks while the water rises, the effects compound, leading to increased flooding and other environmental issues that threaten infrastructure, property values, and the overall livability of these areas.

The details

The Virginia Tech study found that the maximum rate of subsidence occurs in the Hampton Roads region and central eastern Delmarva Peninsula, with the magnitude decreasing northwards and inland. For example, the city of Hampton is sinking at a rate of about 2.3 millimeters per year. The researchers attribute this subsidence to factors like localized groundwater withdrawal and long-term tectonic movements, in addition to the retreat of ancient glaciers.

  • The Virginia Tech study was published on February 16, 2026.
  • The report cites land subsidence data collected between 1940 and 1971.

The players

Virginia Tech

A public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia, which conducted the study on land subsidence around the Chesapeake Bay.

D. Sarah Stamps

An associate professor in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech, who was involved in the study.

Hampton

A city in Virginia that is experiencing a subsidence rate of 2.3 millimeters per year, according to the Virginia Tech study.

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What they’re saying

“Sea level isn't just about the ocean rising. It's also about what the land is doing. If the ground is sinking while the water is rising, the effect adds up.”

— D. Sarah Stamps, Associate Professor, Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech (wtkr.com)

What’s next

The study's findings are expected to inform future urban planning and infrastructure development efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region, as local governments work to address the challenges posed by the combination of land subsidence and rising sea levels.

The takeaway

This Virginia Tech study highlights the complex and interconnected nature of environmental changes, where factors like groundwater depletion and tectonic activity can exacerbate the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. As the ground sinks and the water rises, the Hampton Roads region and other areas around the Chesapeake Bay will need to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the long-term effects of this land subsidence.