Many of these natural hazards are largely anthropogenic in origin. The growing physical risks to many coastal cities stem from a combination of factors relating to rapid urbanization, climate change, and land subsidence. Throughout history, these areas have continued to develop, and today, are some of the most densely populated regions in the world. Soil fertility, availability of fresh water from rivers, accessibility due to flat topographical relief, and sea and waterways allowing for trade routes, have long made coastal plains valuable agricultural and economic resources. These areas are particularly vulnerable to climate related hazards, but since ancient times, have also been preferred areas for human settlement. The vast majority of sinking cities are located in coastal lowlands. Today, similar forces continue to be drivers behind the urbanization of the global population. Agriculture, increased economic productivity, and superior social organization are often cited as key contributing factors that gave rise to these ancient cities, although there likely were other factors at play. A number of theories have been presented, and to date, there is insufficient evidence to support a single root cause which led to the formation of cities. The fundamental conditions that gave rise to ancient cities, like Mesopotamia, have long been debated by scholars. Sinking cities must overcome substantial barriers to properly prepare for today's dynamic environmental climate.īackground and history Development As countries continue to invest people, assets, and infrastructure into these cities, the loss potential in these areas also increases. Many of the world's largest and most rapidly growing cities are located along rivers and coasts, exposing them to natural disasters. The largest contributors to these cities becoming unlivable are the combined effects of climate change (manifested through sea level rise, intensifying storms, and storm surge), land subsidence, and accelerated urbanization. Sinking cities are urban environments that are in danger of disappearing due to their rapidly changing landscapes. After the defeat of the Great Destroyer, Livia stated she would travel to Arah.Drivers, processes, and impacts of sinking cities.The Guild Wars 2 Wiki has an article on The Ruined City of Arah. In the intervening years, many of the treasures of Arah and Orr have been taken by Corsairs, who often dock in the shattered peninsula. While the Charr were destroyed and never stepped into Arah, the Orrian peninsula was shattered and sank beneath the waves, taking Arah with it, leaving only the wandering dead on the few islands that remained above-water. Attempting to halt the incursion (but in fact unknowingly doing the work of Razakel), the adviser to King Reza, Vizier Khilbron, took it upon himself to venture into the catacombs of Arah and read from a forbidden scroll, causing the Cataclysm. Though prepared for the sudden attack, the Orrian defenses were overwhelmed and the Charr marched on Arah, intent on its destruction. In 1070 AE, the Searing shattered Ascalon's defenses and allowed the Charr to launch a full offensive against Kryta and Orr. When the Guild Wars of 1013 AE resulted in open fighting in the marble streets of Arah, the Orrians abandoned their neutral stance in order to protect the city. For nearly a millennium the Orrians acted as custodians of the city of Arah. Originally founded by the gods when they brought the humans to Tyria, Arah became the capital of Orr after the Exodus of the Gods, later growing into the center of a powerful nation that viewed the maintenance of Arah as its sacred charge. There is little evidence to show where the gods came from, or where they have gone in these modern days. The sunken city of Arah was the home to the Human Gods when they resided within the nation of Orr.
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