Sinkholes may occur for a number of reasons.
Sinkholes are large cave-ins of earth caused by underground holes and caverns. They are a serious problem throughout the United States, and cause several million dollars in damage per year. Certain varieties of land are more easily broken down or are more porous than others, characteristics that may contribute to the development of a sinkhole. A number of factors, both natural and manmade combine to create these often devastating phenomena.
Karst Soil
Karst soil is a leading indicator of sinkhole likelihood, and is naturally found in several parts of the United States. These are areas that are largely supported by limestone, dolomite or gypsum, all of which are porous and may be broken down by water. Natural wear and tear leave these materials filled with hollow spaces, which means the upper levels of earth are not firmly supported. A sinkhole occurs when these empty spaces are disturbed; commonly by earthquakes, construction, hurricanes and other natural disasters. This disturbance leads to a cave-in, which causes the sinkhole.
Lowering Water Levels
Lowered water levels are a serious cause of sinkhole activity. This activity is most evident in areas prone to drought, California and Florida among them. Water naturally found in underground aquifers provides strength, stability and some flexibility to the ground. When these water levels decline, either naturally or through water pumping during construction, that stability is compromised. When land developing of buildings, homes and highways is done over this unstable ground, a sinkhole is more likely to occur.
Disturbing Soil
Maintaining proper soil structure and function is a delicate balance of living and nonliving factors working together. These factors, which include everything from bacteria and animal activity to proper water filtration, must be maintained to create a healthy, stable soil environment. When human activity interferes with this ecosystem, the risk of sinkholes becomes greater. In areas where the stability of soil has been compromised, simple activities like digging or drilling may cause a sinkhole. Certain soil types and conditions increase this likelihood. For example, water-logged soils are more likely than dry soils to cave in, while sandy or clay soils are more durable than loam soils. Freezing winter temperatures decrease the chances of sinkholes.
Vibration
Vibration can occur naturally or as a side effect of human activity. Construction and traffic are prime examples of human-caused vibration, while earthquakes are naturally occurring, but equally bothersome. These activities over damaged or unstable soil, particularly during rainy periods, cause shifting and unwanted flexibility. As with reduced water levels, this instability results in large empty spaces which, once disturbed by vibration, may create a sinkhole.
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