A sinkhole is a depression or hole in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer. Sinkholes form when water erodes soluble bedrock, such as limestone, gypsum, or salt, leading to the creation of underground voids. Over time, the support above these voids can become insufficient, causing the surface to cave in and create a visible depression. Sinkholes can vary in size from small, shallow depressions to large, deep holes that can swallow structures, trees, or even roads. They are often associated with natural processes, but human activities, such as drilling, mining, or excessive groundwater withdrawal, can also trigger their formation. Sinkholes are more common in areas known as karst topography, where the geology is conducive to the dissolution process that leads to their development.
A rescue operation in Saitama Prefecture revealed avoidable decisions that ignored basic scientific principles. A second sinkhole opened, highlighting the unstable terrain and the need for better risk assessment. Rescue…