cause -of- sinkholes

Sinkholes

Sinkholes are natural pits that form as a result of sudden collapses and are generally caused by the dissolution, melting and filling of underground rocks with dissolved substances. These natural phenomena occur in karst regions, particularly in formations containing easily soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite and gypsum. The formation of sinkholes can be disturbed by both natural and man-made factors. Climate change, excessive groundwater use, groundwater depletion and various geological factors play an important role in this process.

Sinkholes

Karst and sinkhole formation

The most common areas of sinkholes are karst areas. Karst terrain is formed by a special geological structure through which water flows and erodes the rocks along the way. In such terrains, the process of melting and formation is accelerated by the chemical interaction of water with its rocks. When the water is no longer able to support the rocks below the surface, it suddenly collapses, creating sinkholes.

The effect of groundwater on sinkhole formation

Groundwater is one of the major causes of sinkhole formation. In particular, underground rocks such as limestone change the chemical properties of water. As a result, the formations created by the water eroding the rock gradually grow. But when these layers expand sufficiently, the surface layer of soil can no longer support its weight and a sudden depression occurs. A drop in the groundwater level or excessive accumulation of water is one of the main factors that can cause a sinkhole to form.

  

Sinkholes

Climate and its Effect on the Formation of Sinkholes

It is one of the factors that directly influences the formation of sinkholes. Drought can rapidly lower groundwater levels, preparing the ground for sinkhole formation. Similarly, sudden and excessive rainfall can increase water infiltration into the ground, causing rocks to dissolve more quickly. Climatic currencies, the formation of karst structures and their distribution are an important situation.

Dangers and Damages of Sinkholes

Sinkholes are natural formations that can cause major damage when they suddenly sink. They can occur in close proximity to human settlements and cause property damage. Roads, buildings and agricultural land can be damaged by sinkholes. These depressions, which are difficult to predict because they form suddenly and unexpectedly, can pave the way for serious explosions. For this reason, systems where the risk of sinkholes is high should be carefully planned and the risks minimised.

Sinkholes

Measures That Can Be Taken to Prevent the Formation of a Sinkhole

Although it is difficult to prevent sinkholes altogether, there are several measures that can be taken to reduce the risk. Firstly, groundwater over-exploitation must be prevented and developed in a sustainable way. The construction of karst connections should be carefully planned and the regional zone associated with sinkhole formation should be identified. In addition, regular groundwater monitoring and early warning measurements of vulnerable systems can be effective in reducing the damage that sinkholes can cause.

The occurrence of sinkholes as a result of their natural components, human climate and climate change can accelerate this process. Particularly in karst regions, sinkholes caused by groundwater movement pose a serious threat to the environment and human life. For this reason, sustainable water use and geological risk management where sinkholes can form are of great importance.