A sinkhole refers to the collapse of ground surface material into an underground hole.
The sinkhole may develop slowly or suddenly. If it develops suddenly it may be catastrophic depending on:
(1) its size
(2) its location relative to human habitation
(3) its contents (if filled with water then a person falling in could drown)
Types of underground holes:
(1) mine-related
(2) sewer or drainpipes
(3) limestone (calcium carbonate) cavern
(4) underground stream
Ground surface material may include:
(1) overburden (earth, sand, clay)
(2) street or parking lot
(3) buildings
Underground Hole |
Risk for Sinkhole |
mine |
large, abandoned, underground fire |
sewer |
poor construction with leakage, heavy fluid flow, heavy overlying construction |
limestone cavern |
pumping out water, heavy rains, acid rain, heavy overlying construction |
underground stream |
increased flow, often after heavy rain |
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care