Readers ask about the sinking of Tangier Island, Ingenuity’s dusting potential and more

Troubled water

A new study shows that Tangier Island could be lost to rising sea levels sooner than previously realized, Trishla Ostwal reported in “Time is running out to save Virginia’s Tangier Island” (SN: 1/15/22, p. 4).

Reader John T. Hanou wondered if groundwater extraction near the island is contributing to its plight.

It’s true that groundwater pumping can significantly affect the rate at which land sinks in the southern Chesapeake Bay region. But its impact is smaller on Tangier Island, which is far from any major groundwater pumping source, say the study’s coauthors, marine biologist David Schulte of the U.S.