A sink hole in the state of Florida can develop at anytime of the year, but it is most common that a sink hole will develop from the beginning of Spring till the end of Summer. There are multiple reasons why it is more common around this time of the year to see a sink hole. Hernando residents might not be aware that the most common cause of a sink hole is a lack of groundwater, but it can also be caused by some actions that are common around the beginning of spring.
Loss of Groundwater
Florida’s dry season begins at the end of fall and causes much of the groundwater loss at this time. When the groundwater dries up during this time, it creates the perfect environment for underground cavities to form in spring when rain continues to fall, and turn into a sink hole. Hernando residents should be made aware that when a limestone ceiling can no longer support the weight of the soil, it can collapse. Water filters down through the limestone and slowly erodes it away, causing much of the sink hole activity in Florida.
What Actions Exacerbate Sink Hole Formations?
While water and erosion are the biggest causes of sink hole activity, they are not the only issues that can cause them to form. For example, Spring is often the time of year when farmers focus on starting new crops, which can add a lot of excess water to an area that has been dry for a couple of months. This excess water can cause erosion, and lead to the development of a sink hole. Hernando beach residents should also note that farming is not the only cause of discovering a sink hole. Many new construction projects start at the beginning of spring, which can add much weight or stress to the ground. If this area already has a void or crevasse below the surface, it can cause the sink hole to open up and cause more issues.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of *Sinkhole Titan*
