What Causes A Sinkhole? Explained By A Geotechnical Engineer

Post by: Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh

Photo : NDTV

In Sydney, sinkholes have once again captured attention after a 13-year-old boy fell into a two-meter deep hole in a waterlogged football field. The incident unfolded over the weekend, with the boy reportedly sinking further into the hole each time he attempted to push down with his feet. Fortunately, a police officer managed to rescue him by pulling him out by his wrists.

This incident sheds light on the occurrence of sinkholes, which aren't uncommon in various parts of the world. In March, two sinkholes emerged in the Sydney suburb of Rockdale, one of which posed a threat to a commercial building, highlighting the potential risks associated with these geological phenomena. Similarly, a significant sinkhole appeared in the South Australian city of Mount Gambier last year.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel

But what exactly is a sinkhole and what causes it? Essentially, a sinkhole is a sudden hole that appears in the ground, though the process leading to its formation is gradual and may occur over an extended period. Sinkholes develop when an underground cavity begins to expand, gradually enlarging over time. However, the surface soil remains strong enough to hold together, forming a "ceiling" over the cavity. Eventually, the surface layer becomes too weak or thin, leading to its collapse and the formation of a sinkhole.

Various factors contribute to the formation of sinkholes. In some cases, acidic rainwater can degrade underground rock, creating caves that may collapse into sinkholes. Alternatively, underground erosion caused by flowing groundwater can result in the formation of sinkholes. As the cavity underground expands, it draws more water towards it, increasing the risk of a collapse.

Human activities can also exacerbate the formation of sinkholes. For instance, leaking underground pipes can contribute to underground erosion, potentially accelerating the development of sinkholes.

Sinkholes vary in size and can pose significant risks, especially if they occur in urban areas or near buildings. While smaller sinkholes may not be immediately dangerous, larger ones can cause considerable damage and pose risks to both property and people. Therefore, understanding the formation of sinkholes and predicting their occurrence is essential for managing the associated risks effectively.

While sinkholes are not uncommon, they often go unnoticed unless they pose a significant threat to public safety or property. Researchers are continually studying sinkhole formation to better understand the risks and develop strategies for predicting and mitigating them.

In summary, sinkholes represent a geological phenomenon that can occur in various parts of the world, posing risks to both property and individuals. Understanding the factors contributing to their formation is crucial for effective risk management and mitigation strategies.

#trending #latest #Sinkholes #GeologicalPhenomenon #SydneySinkholes #RockdaleSinkholes #MountGambierSinkhole #GeologicalHazards #GroundwaterErosion #UrbanSafety #PropertyRisk #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn