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Cover-collapse sinkholes can open up suddenly.

By Water Science School
Diagram showing how cover-collapse types of sinkholes develop.
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Detailed Description

Cover-collapse sinkholes

Cover-collapse sinkholes may develop abruptly (over a period of hours) and cause catastrophic damages. They occur where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay. Over time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sinkhole into a shallower bowl-shaped depression.

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Sources/Usage

Public Domain.

Land Subsidence in the United States