Sink holes are formed when underground water manages to wash away soft rock such as limestone, carbonate rocks or salt beds. This causes a cavern to form underground and when the cavern gets too large, the ground above it collapses, creating a sink hole. Crystal River residents and Floridians are not the only people who should be cognizant of sink hole active and the process of their formation. Nearly all states have locations with areas that have soft rocks and sediment, but Florida and some other states have more soft rock sediments than other states. According to the USGS, approximately twenty percent of U.S. Land is susceptible to sinkholes.
Why Is Florida So perfect for Sinkholes?
Sink holes can only be formed if sediments contain soft rocks that can be removed from moving groundwater. Unfortunately, Florida does not have one type of sediment suitable for a sink hole; Crystal River residents should be aware that Florida contains multiple types of soft rock sediments. Most of the state of Florida sits on top of limestone karst terrain, as well as evaporite rocks such as salt and gypsum. Evaporite rock sediments are a lot safer than karst from carbonate rock because it is located at great depths under the ground.
Where in The US Should People be Worried?
Like that of Florida, other states located in the southeast United States should be worried about sink holes caused by karst as a result of carbonate rock. Apart from states located in the southeast, states that border large bodies of water, such as the Mississippi River, should be concerned about a sink hole caused by the same sediment conditions. Missouri is a great example of state that has to deal with sink holes. Crystal River residents Live hundreds of miles from Missouri, but they actually have to deal with the same types of sink holes.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of *Sinkhole Titan*
