Groundwater Recovery and Land Deformation in the Beijing Plain: A Review

Groundwater recovery can reduce land subsidence without immediately reversing aquifer-system compaction. This review synthesizes 101 original studies of the Beijing Plain to examine deformation during groundwater depletion and subsequent recovery. The evidence includes interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), leveling, groundwater records, borehole deformation measurements and laboratory experiments. Historical surveys and satellite observations document expanding subsidence centers followed by widespread deceleration and localized rebound. Groundwater pressure changes are the principal regional forcing. Sedimentary architecture, hydraulic connectivity and loading history govern the magnitude and timing of deformation. Delayed pressure equilibration and time-dependent strain can sustain compaction after aquifer heads rise, while irreversible strain limits recovery of lost elevation. Surface uplift can therefore coexist with compaction at depth and does not establish restoration of aquifer-system storage capacity. Observational coverage remains uneven: 75 studies use InSAR, whereas 17 report borehole deformation measurements. Paired pressure and interval-deformation measurements are needed to identify the sources of continuing compaction. Differential ground movement remains relevant to infrastructure assessment even where regional subsidence slows.