inholes

Inholes, also known as sinkholes or dolines, are natural depressions in the land surface. They typically form when bedrock, such as limestone or gypsum, is dissolved by groundwater over long periods. This dissolution creates underground voids. When the overlying soil or rock can no longer support its own weight, it collapses into the void, forming a sinkhole.

The formation of inholes can be a slow, gradual process or a sudden catastrophic event. Factors that can contribute to their formation include heavy rainfall, drought followed by heavy rain, changes in groundwater levels due to pumping, and human activities like construction or mining.

Inholes can vary greatly in size, from a few feet to hundreds of feet in diameter and depth. They are common in karst landscapes, which are areas characterized by soluble bedrock and the presence of sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems. While some inholes are harmless and become vegetated over time, others can pose significant risks to infrastructure and human safety due to their unpredictable nature and potential for rapid expansion. Monitoring and geological surveys are often employed in areas prone to inholes to assess and mitigate potential hazards.