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A sinkhole, also known as a sink, shake hole, swallow hole, swallet, doline or cenote, is a natural depression or hole in the surface topography caused by the removal of soil or bedrock, often both, by water. Sinkholes may vary in size from less than a meter to several hundred meters both in diameter and depth, and vary in form from soil-lined bowls to bedrock-edged chasms. They may be formed gradually or suddenly, and are found worldwide. These terms are often used interchangeably though many will distinguish between those features into which a surface stream flows and those which have no such input. Only the former would be described as sinks, swallow holes or swallets.
Sinkholes form on the surface because material below the surface has been removed by mining extraction or occurred naturally from dissolution of carbonate rock by naturally acidic water. At some point, the force of gravity can cause a collapse of the ceiling of the cave or shaft, creating a sinkhole on the surface.
Sinkholes are formed when the supporting water table runs dry and the ground no longer has this strata to stand on. This happens in the states of Florida and Georgia in the US because they have more underground rivers than most. The ground simply collapses down the now dry rivers that were once filled with water. These are the first real signs of a major drought.
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CoachSinkholes can vary in depth from a few feet to hundreds of feet, depending on the underlying geology and the processes that caused them. Some sinkholes can be shallow depressions that are easily filled, while others can be massive cavities that pose a serious threat to infrastructure and safety.
When an underground cavity enlarges to the point that its ceiling can no longer support the weight of overlying sediments, the earth suddenly collapses into the cavity. A circular hole typically forms and grows over a period of minutes to hours. Slumping of the sediments along the sides of the sinkhole may take approximately a day's time to stop. Erosion of the edge of the sinkhole may continue for several days, and heavy rainfall can prolong the stabilization. In the less catastrophic cover subsidence type of sinkhole, a bowl-shaped depression forms at the surface, typically over longer periods of time (sometimes as long as years).
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How big can sinkholes get?
Sinkholes can vary in size, with some being as small as a few feet wide and others reaching hundreds of feet in diameter and depth. The largest sinkholes in the world can be over 600 feet wide and 600 feet deep.
How big can sinkholes get?
Sinkholes can vary greatly in size, with some being as small as a few feet wide to others that can be hundreds of feet in diameter and depth. The largest sinkholes in the world can be several hundred meters wide and deep. The size of a sinkhole is influenced by factors such as the type of rock or soil beneath the surface, water flow, and human activities.
What are the differences between subsidence sinkholes and collapse sinkholes?
Subsidence sinkholes form gradually when the ground sinks due to the gradual dissolution of underlying bedrock, often in regions with soluble rock like limestone. Collapse sinkholes form suddenly when the roof of an underground cavity collapses, typically after heavy rainfall or a sudden change in water flow. Subsidence sinkholes are more common and tend to be smaller and less dangerous than collapse sinkholes.
How do humans adapt to sinkholes?
Humans adapt to sinkholes by implementing infrastructure designs that account for the presence of sinkholes, such as diversion structures and reinforced foundations. Monitoring and early detection systems can also help reduce the risks associated with sinkholes. Additionally, educating communities on the potential dangers and providing resources for mitigation efforts can further help adapt to sinkhole-prone areas.
Do sinkholes get bigger over the years?
Sinkholes can develop and grow over time due to factors such as erosion, soil composition, and water saturation. If left untreated, sinkholes can continue to expand as the underlying materials erode or collapse. Regular monitoring and maintenance can help prevent sinkholes from growing larger.
