sinkholes

Sudden terrain depressions

Sinkholes are depressions or holes in the ground formed when underlying rock dissolves or collapses.

They range from shallow dips to dramatic cavities that swallow cars or buildings.

Sinkholes occur naturally in limestone regions where groundwater erodes bedrock, but can also result from human activity like mining or broken water mains.

A massive sinkhole opened up in the parking lot overnight.

collapse

cave-in

Underground passage collapse

settlingReaching resolution or rest
slumpingDeclining sharply, drooping
crumblingBreaking down gradually

foundering · sudden · depression · crater · cavity · void · rupture · structural damage · property damage · pavement

formation

karst

Eroded soluble rock terrain

limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
dolomiteCalcium magnesium carbonate mineral
gypsumHydrated calcium sulfate

groundwater · erosion · dissolution · aquifer · percolation · acidic · soluble · bedrock · subsurface · hydrology

underground

cavern

Large natural underground chamber

chamberEnclosed room or cavity
subterraneanBeneath earth's surface
caveUnderground hollow in rock

stalactites · stalagmites · calcite · grotto · abyss · chasm · tunnel · pit · shaft · darkness

hazard

danger

Exposure to harm

riskPossibility of harm
unpredictableCannot be anticipated
property lossAssets gone or damaged

road hazard · urban · suburban · mining · construction · infrastructure · insurance · remediation · monitoring · detection

swallowing

engulf

Completely surround and cover

devourEat greedily and fast
consumeTake in fully
disappearPass from visibility

plunge · drop · fall into · car · house · building · street · yard · swimming pool · dramatic

sinkholes

cave-in

karst

cavern

danger

engulf

sinkholes

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