Sinkholes
By Andrew Thompson
Sinkholes
Sinkholes are a very dangerous type of geohazard, they are circular holes, large or small, that are usually funnel shaped. Sinkholes normally form in karst areas. Karst is a type of land formed on rock such as limestone or dolomite.
Why are they so Dangerous?
Sinkholes can be extremely dangerous because when their is a sinkhole, the ground collapses and anything or anyone on that surface will get pulled down into the sinkhole. Sinkholes should be a concern to you, especially if you live in a karst area, sinkholes can happen anywhere. Sinkholes are measured by SqueeSAR, which can detect surface displacements down to a millimeter. This technology can identify developing sinkholes, and potentially save lives.
The Great Blue Hole
Did you know that sinkholes can form under water? The Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize, it is 984 feet across, and 407 feet deep. It was formed by a series of quarternary glaciation, over 150,000 years ago.
Guatemala City 2007 Sinkhole
On February, 23, 2007 a massive sinkhole collapsed out of the blue. It took the lives of five people. It was 330 feet deep, and it resulted in the evacuation of 1,000 people.