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Understanding Sinkholes

Florida is full of sinkholes, mainly because of the karst landscape. Sinkhole activity, not all of it damaging, is a key part of the beautiful ecosystem that makes Florida famous. Although sinkholes can and should be appreciated for the role they play in filtering drinking water, they are also a potential source of property damage and are notorious for producing sinkhole homes. Because of the danger of sinkhole activity, and the structural damage that can result, understanding sinkholes is an important part of effectively dealing with them. Gaining the expertise of a specialized company is essential.

How do they form?

Sinkholes form when groundwater moves through limestone, eroding large areas of the bedrock. Limestone bedrock is a common aquifer—an underground layer of permeable stone that collects and filters groundwater. Because of its sedimentary nature and water solubility, limestone is slowly washed away, leaving large voids and underground cavities. Often, these underground cavities fill with groundwater, which helps to support the walls and ceilings. When the water level drops the walls and ceiling of the cavity can collapse, resulting in a sinkhole on the surface.

Detecting Sinkholes

Most people notice sinkholes when they form quickly. The obvious crater that results from a collapse sinkhole is a clear sign. Sometimes sinkholes develop slowly—beginning with a gentle depression, and settling further into a bowl-shaped crater. Be aware that your property may be subject to sinkholes, especially if you notice the development of soft soil, spongy areas, or concave depressions. Your property may be in danger even if there are no bodies of water nearby. Call Sinkhole Homes to determine the level of affect that sinkholes may have on your property. We can analyze the beginning stages of sinkholes and find out if they are a danger in order to prevent further damage.

Types of Sinkholes in Florida

Collapse Sinkholes

Everyone is aware of this rapidly occurring type of sinkhole. Collapse sinkholes are noticeable, because as the name suggests, the surface of the ground gives way to the underground cavity. Usually, collapse sinkholes happen when the overburden (trees, soil, etc.) is heavy, and when water level fluctuations have weakened the sides and ceiling of the cavity. Collapse sinkholes are usually the most damaging type of sinkhole. Fortunately, collapse sinkholes are also the most infrequently occurring sinkholes.

Three general types of sinkholes occur in Florida: collapse, solution, and subsidence.

Collapse Sinkholes

Everyone is aware of this rapidly occurring type of sinkhole. Collapse sinkholes are noticeable, because as the name suggests, the surface of the ground gives way to the underground cavity. Usually, collapse sinkholes happen when the overburden (trees, soil, etc.) is heavy, and when water level fluctuations have weakened the sides and ceiling of the cavity. Collapse sinkholes are usually the most damaging type of sinkhole. Fortunately, collapse sinkholes are also the most infrequently occurring sinkholes.

Solution Sinkholes

This type of sinkhole usually occurs gradually. In the absence of topsoil and vegetation, the exposed limestone layer is slowly washed away by rainwater, surface water, and even wind. The sinkhole forms slowly and deliberately, and can usually be spotted or avoided before sinkhole property damage occurs.

Subsidence Sinkholes

In this type of sinkhole, loose sand gradually replaces diminishing limestone bedrock. As the underground cavity loses stability and becomes increasingly weak, the surface of the ground begins to sink. Again, this type of sinkhole occurs slowly, forming a bowl-shaped depression in the surface. Because of the accumulation of water-blocking materials where permeable bedrock used to exist, groundwater can build up in a subsidence sinkhole, creating spongy surface texture or even a small pond. Over time, entire lakes may even develop from subsidence sinkholes.

Taking the Next Step

This brief tutorial on sinkholes may have raised more questions than it answered, or generated questions about your particular situation. Whatever your question, Sinkhole Homes is prepared to answer it. Because sinkhole homes have commonly occurring problems, give us a call and allow us to give you our expert advice or complete the online form to request additional information.