how do sinkholes happen

Sinkholes happen primarily due to the natural process of erosion and dissolution of soluble bedrock such as limestone, carbonate rocks, salt beds, gypsum, or even sandstone. Water, especially slightly acidic rainwater or groundwater, seeps through soil and cracks in the rock, gradually dissolving and washing away the underlying rock. This creates voids and underground cavities over time. When the land above these cavities can no longer support its own weight due to the removal of the underlying rock, it suddenly collapses or sinks, forming a sinkhole on the surface. Several factors trigger or accelerate sinkhole formation, including heavy rain, drought, human activities like overwithdrawal of groundwater, diverting surface water, drilling wells, leaking pipes, construction, and changes in water tables. These activities can destabilize the underground voids and cause the surface to collapse more abruptly. Sinkholes can vary greatly in size, from small depressions to large collapses that engulf buildings or roads. In summary, sinkholes form when underground rock dissolves and creates voids that eventually collapse, causing the ground surface to sink or cave in, often triggered or worsened by natural or human-made changes in water flow and ground support.