How do sinkholes form?

Sinkholes typically form in karst landscapes where acidic ground water runs into the bedrock, dissolving the rock while creating cavities and caves that can collapse.

Sinkholes may trap surface drainage from standing or running water, but they may also occur in high and dry places.

They are a natural occurrence, but can also be caused by human influences. People building homes, stores or retention ponds on fragile land can cause sinkholes to form.
The pumping of water from aquifers lowers the water table, which can also accelerate the creation of sinkholes.

In urban areas, sinkholes can occur from breaks in water mains or from sewer collapses.

---------------------------------------­­---------------------------------------­-­---------------

Next Animation Studio’s News Direct service provides daily, high-quality, informative 3D news animations that fill in for missing footage and help viewers understand breaking news stories or in-depth features on science, technology, and health.

Sign up for a free trial of News Direct's news animations at http://newsdirect.nextanimationstudio...

To subscribe to News Direct or for more info, please visit:
http://newsdirect.nextanimationstudio...