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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.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoWhen 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).
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoI'm not actually sure but i think some can be from 4 feet two maybe at least 100 feet
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt can form in seconds.
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How do humans adapt to sinkholes?
They don't. Sinkholes are filled in.
Are there any sinkholes in Michigan?
Michigan is a state that is very familiar with sinkholes. On their lower peninsula alone there are close to 200 sinkholes.
What are the differences between subsidence sinkholes and collapse sinkholes?
subsidence sinkholes are different from collapse sinkholes in two ways . first,subsidence sinkholes ocer when there is almost no overburn,or material,above the limestone. collapse sinkholes happen when there is thick overburn. secondly, subsidence sinkholes occur slowly, over time, while collapse foms quckly beacause of human activity , such as well drilling.
Can you stop sinkholes?
Sinkholes could be prevented, but not without huge expenditures of money.
What do Subsidence and sinkholes do?
a subsidence sink hole they are in common with two other types of sinkholes called solution and collapse sinkholes they have in common thick dirt
What landscape has caves and sinkholes and deep valleys?
its called KARST TOPOGRAPHY
What is a type of landscape in which caves deep valleys and sinkholes called?
A type of landscape that features caves, deep valleys, and sinkholes is called a karst landscape. Karst landscapes are formed when soluble rocks such as limestone or dolomite are eroded by water, creating unique underground drainage systems and surface features.
Where can you find sinkholes?
You can find sinkholes in fl
Where do sinkholes happen?
sinkholes mostly happen at FLORIDA
Who do sinkholes affect?
Sinkholes, as we know it, can affect anyone.
How do humans adapt to sinkholes?
They don't. Sinkholes are filled in.
Are there any sinkholes in Michigan?
Michigan is a state that is very familiar with sinkholes. On their lower peninsula alone there are close to 200 sinkholes.
What are the differences between subsidence sinkholes and collapse sinkholes?
subsidence sinkholes are different from collapse sinkholes in two ways . first,subsidence sinkholes ocer when there is almost no overburn,or material,above the limestone. collapse sinkholes happen when there is thick overburn. secondly, subsidence sinkholes occur slowly, over time, while collapse foms quckly beacause of human activity , such as well drilling.
What is a type of landscape where caves deep valleys and sinkholes are common?
Karst landscape is a type of landscape where caves, deep valleys, and sinkholes are common. This type of landscape is formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum by groundwater. The result is distinctive topographical features like caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage systems.
How long do sinkholes last?
Sinkholes are perminant but usually get filled in with debrie or dirt. Also sinkholes can become small ponds depending on the size.
The landscape where caves deep valleys and sinkholes are common?
The landscape you are referring to is likely characterized by karst topography. Karst landscapes are formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, creating features like caves, deep valleys, and sinkholes. These areas often have unique water drainage systems, as water flows underground through the porous rock layers.
Can you stop sinkholes?
Sinkholes could be prevented, but not without huge expenditures of money.
