Modelling land subsidence induced by exploitation of a multi-layered aquifer in Milan (Italy)

A mathematical model has been developed to link groundwater withdrawals with vertical consolidation causing subsidence. Here, were are concerned with the multi-layered aquifer system of Milan, where groundwater withdrawals in the 1970s produced a sharp drop in the water table and widespread sinking. The main feature of this model is its ability to account for the contributions of the phreatic aquifer and the drained zone to land subsidence.