How does sinkhole

Also, heavy rains after droughts often cause enough pressure on the ground to create sinkholes. In urban or suburban areas, sinkholes are hazardous because they can destroy highways and buildings. Sinkholes also can cause water quality problems. During a collapse, surface waters may leak into the aquifer, our underground source of drinking water.

Many natural sinkholes cannot be prevented. However, those caused by human activity may be avoided, especially those caused by over-pumping groundwater.

The combination of gravity, loss of buoyancy and water pressure can activate a collapse. India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country. Epic floods leave South Sudanese to face disease and starvation. Travel 5 pandemic tech innovations that will change travel forever These digital innovations will make your next trip safer and more efficient.

But will they invade your privacy? Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. What causes the shift? Here's where it gets a little more in-depth. There are three main situations that cause sinkholes: If the rocks below the surface are made of materials that dissolve in water, such as limestone or gypsum.

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Prime Minister says he does not believe he has told a lie in public life. Child rescued from alleged porn operation, as man faces 43 charges. American journalist jailed for 11 years in Myanmar. They're occuring just to the sides of human constructions where rain water has been concentrated on a particular patch of ground in the form of run-off from roofs and tarmac.

However, these local factors wouldn't matter if it wasn't for the wider picture. The South East where most of the sinkholes have appeared has not only suffered one of the wettest winters in recent decades, but is also natural sinkhole country - most of the bedrock is the soluble chalk.

Despite the dramatic nature of cover-collapse sinkholes they're not as dangerous as they look. Their effects are localized and once they've appeared they can be safely dealt with. However, this isn't to say that sinkholes are safe by any means. In one of the most devastating sinkholes in recent times hit Guatemala City. An area approximately 65ft wide and ft deep collapsed, swallowing a three-storey factory and killing 15 people.

The sinkhole was caused by a number of factors including an influx of water from Tropical Storm Agatha and leakage from a local sewerage pipe.