What environmental factor can lead to differential subsidence?

Differential subsidence occurs when different areas of land sink at different rates, and one critical factor that contributes to this phenomenon is variations in soil types. Different soil types have varying characteristics, such as density, moisture retention, compaction characteristics, and responses to loading, all of which can significantly influence how each type of soil behaves under stress.

For example, clay soils may expand when wet and shrink when dry, leading to significant changes in volume that can cause uneven settlement of structures built above them. Conversely, sandy soils may have different drainage and compaction properties. In areas where multiple soil types interact, these differences can lead to varying rates of subsidence.

Understanding soil type is crucial not only for predicting subsidence patterns but also for ensuring proper engineering practices when designing foundations and other structures in areas where differential subsidence is a concern.