Science

Detecting SINKHOLES in Real Time

NIE ACTIVITY

MATTERS! … IN CONNECTICUT
Using Sensor Networks and Artificial Intelligence
Science Matters! is a series presented in
collaboration with the Connecticut Academy of
Science and Engineering.
For more information, visit www.ctcase.org
or call 860.571.7143. Sophia Wang, Senior, Amity Regional High School

In the United States, 20% of land is susceptible to sinkholes. Current detection methods for sinkholes include Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and Ground
Penetrating Radar (GPR). These methods are single frame detections, inaccurate and inapplicable to the most dangerous type of sinkhole, the cover collapse sinkhole.

The cover collapse sinkhole develops when the subterranean limestone layer dissolves without topographical indication on the surface.
The cover collapse sinkhole is oftentimes perceived as an event that occurs without warning. However, the formation of a sinkhole is a
gradual process, which allows for sinkhole detection techniques to be developed.

My research project uses designs derived from civil engineering — the structural health monitoring system (SHMS) and the wireless
sensor network (WSN) — and computer science — the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning Algorithms — to more accurately
and efficiently detect sinkholes compared to current methods.

Winter Park Sinkhole, Florida

In my research, I used SHMS and WSN to create a sensor network to diagnose underground structural health in real time. Then, I created
a sensing device to encapsulate the sensor network. The device works by modeling the limestone dissolution process, which serves as the basis of sinkhole formation. I used IoT to
create a user-friendly interface for viewing the data, and I developed Machine Learning Algorithms to analyze the data and generate predictions in real time.

To test the detection system, I physically modeled a cover collapse sinkhole. I simulated these sinkholes by using
materials that compose the geology and karst landscape of regions susceptible to sinkhole formation, such as
Central Florida regions. Prior to the simulation, the sensing devices were placed in set locations. The sensor data
was recorded during the simulation and the Machine Learning Algorithms used to analyze the data in real time.
The Machine Learning Algorithms (e.g., Neural Network, Naive Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest,
Support Vector Machines) had high testing accuracy. The approach I used provided a significant detection period
prior to collapse and served as a prediction model, while also determining the sinkhole depth.

The detection system accurately and efficiently detected future sinkhole occurrences in real time. These designs
have the potential to not only reduce property damage, but more importantly, eliminate the massive public health
threat that sinkholes pose.
Summer Bay Resort Sinkhole, Clermont Florida

SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE Words To Know

My project was interdisciplinary and engineering based, allowing me to delve
into fields ranging from earth and environmental science to linear algebra.
To develop the technology behind my project, I worked with computer
programming. In the testing stages of the project, I worked extensively with
geophysical modeling and designed simulation set ups. I completed literature
review to develop my ideas to use various applied technologies within
sinkhole detection.
Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) – radar technique that uses two
or more images to generate maps of surface deformation or digital elevation
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – a method that uses radar pulses to image the
subsurface
Single Frame Detections – techniques which detect events through singular field tests;
not done in real-time
Structural Health Monitoring System (SHMS) - a system that utilizes sensors and
databases to detect structural state

Meet the Scientist

I am currently a senior at Amity Regional High School. I found a love for science and
engineering at a young age and would spend much of my time at the Yale Cushing Center,
which houses brains that are in jars. Today, I enjoy working on a range of STEM-related fields,
including artificial intelligence, earth and environmental science, and applied physics. I view
STEM as a platform to impact change, and after reading about the devastating consequences
of sinkholes, I began working on my project, in hopes of helping at risk communities. In my free
time, I teach a water sciences class to students at the local elementary school and work on
public policy issues with local hospitals.
Awards:
2019 CT Affiliate Winner recipient of the National Center for Women and Information
Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing
2019 CT Jr. Science & Humanities Symposium – 5th Place
2019 CT Science & Engineering Fair – Applied Technology Award, 1st Place, High School
2019 CT STEM Fair - 1st in Environmental Sciences Category
2019 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair - 1st Award in Category of Earth and
Environmental Sciences (EAEV)
2019 Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity Recipient
2019 Hasbro, Inc. Docuseries Feature – Ms. Monopoly: Young Female Inventors Edition, Grant
for Continued Innovation. Ms. Monopoly Grant Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=qtug5an4L8E [Ms. Monopoly Award Announcement]
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) - A communication system between sensors that
allows data to be viewed via wireless connection or access to a database cloud. WSN is
commonly used in conjunction with SHMS
Internet of Things (IoT) - A network of devices which connects to the Internet and
transmits data. IoT is used to create user-friendly interfaces.
Machine Learning Algorithms - a process of Artificial Intelligence that extracts and
processes information from large sets of data for classification and prediction functions
Karst - landscapes typically composed of carbonate rocks, such as limestone
For Students and Teachers Making
Curriculum Connections, see the following:
Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) -
Common Core State Standards (CCSS): Mathematics
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
• CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 Use appropriate tools strategically
CSDE - Next Generation Science Standards: Scientific and Engineering Practices
• Asking questions and defining problems; developing and using models; planning and carrying out
investigations; analyzing and interpreting data; using Mathematics and computational thinking; constructing
explanations and designing solutions; engaging in argument from evidence; and obtaining, evaluating, and
communicating information.

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/sinkholes?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
hyperlinks https://www.sjrwmd.com/education/sinkholes/
https://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues/faq/which-areas-are-most-risk-sinkholes