Sinkhole

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Sinkhole

A sinkhole (pronounced: /ˈsɪŋk.hoʊl/) is a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. It is also known as a cenote, swallow hole, or doline.

Etymology

The term "sinkhole" comes from the Middle English word "sincan" (to sink) and "hol" (hole).

Definition

A sinkhole is typically caused by the dissolution of soluble rocks or the suffosion processes in the subsurface. Commonly, sinkholes can form in areas where the rock below the land surface is limestone, carbonate rock, salt beds, or rocks that can naturally be dissolved by groundwater circulating through them.

Types of Sinkholes

There are three types of sinkholes: solution sinkholes, cover-subsidence sinkholes, and cover-collapse sinkholes.

  • Solution Sinkholes - These sinkholes occur in areas where limestone is exposed at the surface or is covered by thin layers of soil and permeable sand.
  • Cover-Subsidence Sinkholes - These sinkholes form gradually where the covering sediments are permeable and contain sand.
  • Cover-Collapse Sinkholes - These sinkholes happen where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay.

Related Terms

  • Karst Topography - A landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks including limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems.
  • Limestone - A sedimentary rock composed mainly of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral and mollusks.
  • Groundwater - Water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock.

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