Giant holes in the earth can come from various natural forces, including the potentially destructive sinkhole. This phenomenon occurs when the ground collapses, creating a hole that can cause structural damage. The world's deepest sinkhole is Mexico's El Zacatón, which is 282 meters deep and is caused by geothermal vents. Does this Spark an idea?
Causes
Underground water erodes the rock that provides support for the ground, suddenly bringing down the land above, creating a sinkhole. Erosion becomes especially common when industrial forces pump acidic water into the soil, which can erode limestone and other materials that support the earth. Sinkholes can also come from certain types of materials, such as gypsum and limestone, sinking downwards into the earth. Human activity can lead to sinkholes when mining or pipe construction destroys the support for the land, causing the land to collapse downwards. Sinkholes can also develop when the objects on top of the land place too much strain on the surface of the earth, causing this surface to slowly sag and collapse.
Effects
Sinkholes can have negative effects on various environments. They can destroy ecosystems by draining away lakes and streams. They can also lead to new underground water supplies, which can benefit people who tap into ground water. However, they can raise the water table, increasing the chances of floods during a heavy rainstorm.
What to Do
Sinkholes can also damage property. Any foundations established near a sinkhole can be easily cracked or destroyed depending on the size and location of the sinkhole. Property owners should check with their homeowners' insurance to see if they're covered for sinkholes, contact the office for emergency management in their county and consult a contractor to see if the hole can be filled.
Geography
Sinkholes tend to collapse more suddenly when the soil has more clay in it, while sandier soils will collapse more gradually. According to the government of Lake County, Florida, sinkholes are one of the most prevalent landforms in Florida. Sinkholes are common in Florida because of a large amount of thick carbonate deposits, also known as limestone, which water tends to erode easily. Since limestone mostly comes from marine organisms, limestone is most common in marine areas and sinkholes consequently form frequently in these areas.
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