Scientists study accelerating land subsidence affecting coastal North Slope communities

Alena Naiden

CLIMATE CHANGE

Anchorage Daily News

When a house on Qigalik Avenue in Point Lay was first built, a staircase led from an upstairs door to the ground. Thirty years later, an 8-foot ladder is now needed to get to the bottom step of the staircase.

“Every year we have to add a step or two to those staircases because of the subsidence,” said Bill Tracey, a Point Lay resident of 50 years, who lives close to the house. He said the issue is common among local homeowners. “We started noticing the ground sinking and ponds forming, roads developing sinkholes. … We are doing what we can, but doors aren’t closing, windows are cracking, walls are separating — things you’d expect when a house is moving.”

Login to continue reading article