Subsidence

The term subsidence is used in both atmospheric and geological sciences. Atmospheric subsidence refers to the sinking of air that is denser (heavier) than the air below. As it subsides, increasing air pressure compresses the air parcel, causing it to warm. Geologic subsidence is a form of mass wasting that refers to the sinking of geologic materials (rocks or sediments) as underlying materials are removed or change their position.