Description

A sinkhole is a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. Most sinkholes are caused by karst processes - the chemical dissolution of carbonate rocks, collapse or suffosion processes. This article is focused on sinkholes/collapses that impact aviation operations and are primarily caused by human activities.

Sinkhole beneath an airport runway

Causal Factors

High and rising water tables, altered underground water courses as a result of human activity, increased runoff from impervious surfaces such as runways due to heavy rainfall can all accelerate human-induced sinkhole collapses. Soft materials such as chalk, limestone, sand and soil are more vulnerable to being washed away and undermining the structures above.