What are Sinkholes?
Sinkholes are ground-surface depressions that result when a subterranean void weakens support of the overlying earth.
An enormous sinkhole opens up in Guatemala, swallowing buildings and killing several people Why are Sinkholes a Concern for Inspectors?
- They threaten water supplies by draining unfiltered water from streams, lakes and wetlands directly into aquifers.
- They kill and injure people. A person can be harmed when stepping into an existing sinkhole or when the ground beneath gives way during a sinkhole’s collapse.
- Sinkholes can cause structural damage and instability under buildings, roads and bridges. Repairing them after collapse is expensive and requires specialized knowledge. The underlying cause of the sinkhole must be addressed first, or the repair may prove to be only temporary.
The full article can be read by clicking the link Sinkholes.
