Disentangling Subsidence from Shallow Soil Processes and Gas Extraction in a Dutch UNESCO World Heritage Polder with InSAR and Data Assimilation

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Beemster Polder, exhibits complex subsidence patterns driven by both shallow soil processes and deep gas extraction. Research reveals that areas with thick surficial peat layers experience over 5 mm/year of subsidence due to shrinkage and oxidation, while deeper clay beds also contribute significantly. Gas extraction is projected to add up to 30 mm of subsidence between 2020-2050. The study used InSAR data and data assimilation techniques to quantify these contributions, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and mitigating subsidence in vulnerable coastal regions.

Verberne, M., Koster, K., de Bresser, H., & Fokker, P. A. (2025). Disentangling Subsidence from Shallow Soil Processes and Gas Extraction in a Dutch UNESCO World Heritage Polder with InSAR and Data Assimilation. Earth Systems and Environment, 10(5), 6309–6340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-025-00885-8