Development of Land Subsidence in Xi'an in Past 50 Years

Land subsidence is one of the most prominent geological disasters in Xi’an, China. A review of the occurrence and development of land subsidence in Xi’an in past 50 years is given in this article. The characteristics of land subsidence in Xi'an were analyzed from time-space distribution, the development of subsidence center and its relationship with the withdrawal of groundwater. The development and characteristics of land subsidence indicate that the withdrawal of groundwater especially the confined groundwater is the major cause of land subsidence in Xi’an. Shutting down the private wells and reducing groundwater exploitation have very apparent effect on decelerating subsidence development. Limiting the exploitation and making reasonable exploitation program of groundwater are effective measures to prevent the land subsidence.