noun
- natural depressions or holes in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer, typically formed when underground water dissolves bedrock
Usage: geological term; plural form of sinkhole
Examples
- Several sinkholes appeared in the neighborhood after heavy rains.
- Florida is known for its numerous sinkholes due to its limestone bedrock.
- The highway was closed when sinkholes formed in the asphalt.
- Geologists study sinkholes to understand underground water systems.
- The farmer lost several cattle when they fell into hidden sinkholes.
- Urban development can increase the risk of sinkholes forming.
- Scientists use ground-penetrating radar to detect potential sinkholes.