Climate change leads to the formation of deadlier sinkholes due to changes in weather patterns, soil erosion, and groundwater levels.

Climate change leads to the formation of deadlier sinkholes due to changes in weather patterns, soil erosion, and groundwater levels.

In various parts of the world, sinkholes are becoming a growing concern, particularly in regions affected by climate change. These depressions in the ground, formed by water erosion of soil or bedrock, pose a significant risk to both the environment and human infrastructure.

The northeastern tip of the Brazilian Amazon is currently grappling with this issue, as the state government has declared an emergency due to the appearance of sinkholes. Similarly, in Turkey's Konya Basin, the number of sinkholes has significantly increased due to climate change-induced drought.

Sinkholes form primarily due to the erosion or dissolution of soluble bedrock, such as limestone, by groundwater. Water, especially if slightly acidic, slowly dissolves the underground rock, creating cavities. When the support for the surface layer is lost, it collapses, forming a sinkhole. Fluctuations in groundwater levels also contribute to this process, with lowering water tables reducing support for underground cavities and increasing collapse risk, while heavy rainfall can saturate and overload the ground, triggering sinkholes.

Climate change intensifies sinkhole occurrence mainly by causing more extreme and variable weather conditions that disrupt groundwater levels. Prolonged droughts lower the water table, removing the structural support for underground cavities, and subsequent heavy rainfall or flooding saturates and adds pressure to the surface, increasing collapse likelihood. Additionally, climate change can lead to more intense storms and flooding events which accelerate soil erosion and bedrock dissolution. These phenomena have exacerbated sinkhole risks worldwide, including in vulnerable karst regions in the U.S., Brazil, Europe, and parts of Asia.

In the Konya Basin, farmers have switched to more efficient irrigation techniques to help prevent sinkholes. However, over 80% of water consumed in the region is used for agriculture, which can destabilize the soil. To address this issue, the region has implemented water transfer projects, such as the Blue Tunnel project, to help fill the Konya Plain.

Experts use technologies like satellite remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar, and geotechnical surveys to detect sinkholes before they collapse. If an empty void is found underground, it can be compared to a cavity in dentistry that needs filling, according to Marsellos. Depending on local conditions, the cavity could be filled with materials like cement.

Prevention strategies include regulating excessive groundwater use, controlling drainage, fixing leaks, enforcing strict building codes, and using engineering solutions like injecting grout, compacting loose soil, or using geogrid technology. However, it is crucial to note that pumping groundwater exacerbates the risk of sinkholes, particularly in populated areas where buildings are more vulnerable to collapse.

Sinkholes have appeared in various countries around the world, including the US, Turkey, Iran, the UK, Italy, Mexico, China, and Iran. As climate change continues to intensify, it is essential to address these issues proactively to minimise the risks and potential damage caused by sinkholes.

[1] Groundwater levels in the Konya Basin have dropped significantly compared to 1970, making the area more susceptible to sinkholes. [2] Sinkholes are more likely to occur in regions with "karst terrain," which includes areas made up of soluble bedrock like limestone, salt beds, or gypsum. [3] Droughts lower the water table, removing subterranean support for the land above, making it more susceptible to sinkholes when followed by heavy rain. [4] Pumping groundwater exacerbates the risk of sinkholes, particularly in populated areas where buildings are more vulnerable to collapse. [5] The stability of soil in big cities can be weakened by air pollution, making sinkholes more likely. [6] They can occur naturally or as a result of human activities such as leaky underground water pipes, fracking, and mining. [7] Prevention strategies include regulating excessive groundwater use, controlling drainage, fixing leaks, enforcing strict building codes, and using engineering solutions like injecting grout, compacting loose soil, or using geogrid technology. [8] If an empty void is found underground, it can be compared to a cavity in dentistry that needs filling, according to Marsellos. [9] Depending on local conditions, the cavity could be filled with materials like cement. [10] Climate change is increasing the frequency of sinkholes by intensifying extreme weather events.

1. Climate change has led to a reduction in groundwater levels in the Konya Basin, making the area more vulnerable to sinkhole formation.
2. Sinkholes tend to occur more frequently in regions with karst terrain, which includes areas made up of soluble bedrock such as limestone, salt beds, or gypsum.
3. Droughts, by lowering the water table, remove the subterranean support for the land above, making it more susceptible to sinkholes when followed by heavy rain.
4. Excessive pumping of groundwater in populated areas can exacerbate the risk of sinkholes, as it weakens the support for buildings, making them more susceptible to collapse.
5. Air pollution in large cities can weaken the stability of soil, making sinkholes more likely to occur.
6. Sinkholes can occur naturally, but they can also be the result of human activities such as leaky underground water pipes, fracking, and mining.
7. Preventive measures against sinkholes include regulating excessive groundwater use, controlling drainage, fixing leaks, enforcing strict building codes, and using engineering solutions like injecting grout, compacting loose soil, or using geogrid technology.
8. If an empty void is found underground, it can be likened to a cavity in dentistry that needs filling, according to Marsellos.
9. Depending on local conditions, the cavity found underground could be filled with materials like cement.
10. Climate change is responsible for the increased frequency of sinkholes through the intensification of extreme weather events.

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