How Do Sinkholes Form?

Sinkholes form through both natural and human-made processes.

Most of us think about erosion on the surface of the earth, but erosion can occur in the subsurface as well. In fact, scientist and engineers have a very creative name for just such a process: internal erosion. If just the right factors come together in the subsurface, some very interesting things can occur, including sinkholes.

Memories by SNDR & Joey Shigrov is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License

Tonic and Energy by Elexive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License

This video is sponsored by Blue Apron.

[kamyarnemati]

Now, every time I'm in my car waiting for someone or driving down the streets, I can think of nothing but a huge void underneath the asphalt that can open up and swallow me at any moment. Thank you!

[skylertan]

When your teacher put this video in your classroom: OK, this is gonna be

When you discovered this video by yourself: This look fun. I should watch.

[DJdoppIer]

(4:47) - Nothing represents fear like the googly eyes on that car.

[driceyt]

I didn't even know I wanted to learn about sink holes.

[satchboogie]

Dude, this is like the Bob Ross of engineering.

[wolfgangrodemich]

Me: Why do humans have two nostrils not just one?

Practical Engineering: WATER

[martinbarba]

"Be the water my friend" said Bruce Lee, aparentlly knows abot civil engineering

[physicsgirl]

This is one of the coolest demos I've ever seen.

[Legority]

Me: “why did my parents divorce?”

You: “ *w a t e r* “

[tamaralewis]

Thank you for the explanation. We were hiking the other day in a place that has limestone sinkholes and it fascinated my 9 year old son, so we set out to find out why they happen. He enjoyed your explanation and we both learned quite a bit!

[Olafandlafandlaf]

My question is what sort of things do engineers do to 'avoid' internal erosion? Sinkholes can happen in modern cities that have high building standards. Is it difficult to stop internal erosion from happening? What are the ways to minimise it? Thanks and great video.

[B_Skizzle]

I'm not entirely sure why YouTube recommended an engineering video to me but I did quite enjoy it.

[signaturerush]

Pothole:who are you?
Sinkhole:I'm you but stronger

[peytonbaronne]

Hey Grady, I work as a crane operator for foundation contractor. We build foundation and set structures for transmission power lines. I'd love to see you do a video on vertical drill shafts and the science behind keeping them open. You make amazing videos man, keep up the great work

[WinterbornMT]

I really enjoy your videos! I took a few semesters of physics in college and I really think just that little bit of understanding of the way I interact with the world makes everything more interesting. I think you have a great way of breaking things down to a level most people can understand but it's fun to learn.

[rabornevines]

You do the sponsored videos the best. "This is this video's sponsor. More on that later." I like not having to watch a 1 minute commercial at the beginning of the video.

[BlueBetaPro]

Your demos are always awesome. Makes the little kid inside me really happy to see water and sand physics again.

[dragorocky]

Fam, your videos go!!! I can’t get enough. They’re all interesting, and for a smart dude, U seem cool af. Keep em coming

[beakytwitch]

The drainage erosion holes under an asphalt road can be so big that they get measured in DDBs (Double Decker Buses). I came across a 0.5 DDB hole in Scotland a few years ago and rang the highways department engineer to report it. I gave location and suggested that they quickly measure the volume, then order concrete and fill it up before the road collapses. Next time I passed, what had been a huge hole was just concrete.

[nuruluin]

came for homework, stayed for the quality!