pits

Pits are cavities or hollows in the ground that can be natural or man-made. They range from small depressions to large excavations and serve many purposes, including natural drainage, storage, extraction, or sanitation.

Natural pits are common in many landscapes. Sinkholes form when soluble rock such as limestone dissolves and the overhead material collapses. Cenotes are water-filled pits in karst regions. Potholes are rounded depressions formed by slow erosion in rivers and streams. Volcanic pits can be crater-like openings produced by explosive activity or collapse of a magma chamber.

Human-made pits include open-pit mines and quarries, used to extract minerals and stone. Pit mining generates large excavated areas that require careful environmental management. Other human-made pits are used for storage or disposal, such as grain storage pits in historical settlements, pit latrines for sanitation, and waste pits or landfills.

In ecology and archaeology, pits appear as features of landscapes and sites. Archaeological pits are excavations or natural features used for storage, ritual, or habitation debris. The term pit can also refer to seating areas in theaters or venues known as the pit, located between the stage and the main floor.

In everyday language, "pit" is used to describe the hard seed inside a fruit, particularly stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and cherries. The edible flesh surrounds the pit, which is typically removed before consumption.