Q&A

What is the scariest sinkhole?

What is the scariest sinkhole?

Top 10: World’s Scariest Sinkholes

  • Wink, Texas | The second giant sinkhole, which was formed in May 2002, was called ‘Wink Sink 2’.
  • Sea Cliff, San Francisco, CA | A sinkhole that was 60-foot-deep absorbed two entire homes in the Sea Cliff district in 1995.

Are humans causing sinkholes?

Yes! Humans are also responsible for the formation of sinkholes. Activities like drilling, mining, construction, broken water or drain pipes, improperly compacted soil after excavation work or even heavy traffic can result in small to large sinkholes.

Why is Florida so prone to sinkholes?

Most of Florida is prone to sinkhole formation because it is under- lain by thick carbonate deposits that are susceptible to dissolution by circulating ground water.

How deep can a sinkhole be?

A sinkhole is an area of ground that has no natural external surface drainage–when it rains, the water stays inside the sinkhole and typically drains into the subsurface. Sinkholes can vary from a few feet to hundreds of acres and from less than 1 to more than 100 feet deep.

Can sinkholes be fixed?

If the sinkhole is not affecting a house or other structure, and has a reasonable size — 2 to 5 feet in both diameter and depth — then you can repair it yourself. A large sinkhole will most likely require excavation and a more complex filling operation.

Has anyone died from a sinkhole?

The recent death of Jeff Bush in a Florida sinkhole has highlighted the dangers of these natural phenomena. Although sinkholes cause an average of 17 insurance claims a day in Florida alone, deaths are rare.

Can you fill a sinkhole?

If a sinkhole occurs in the middle of the road, contact local law enforcement agencies. The area should be cordoned off immediately. But, if the sinkhole is not impacting a house or other structure, and if it is a manageable size—1 to 3 feet in both diameter and depth—then it can be filled in.

Which state in the United States has the most sinkholes?

“The most damage from sinkholes tends to occur in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.”