SINKHOLES

RON MAGARZO
SINKHOLES

• Natural hole on the Earth's surface.

• Caused by the chemical dissolution process in
sandstone or chemical dissolution of
carbonate rock that causes erosion of the soil
beneath the ground.
KARST SUBSIDENCE GEOHAZARD
(SINKHOLE)
 KARST
A comprehensive term
applied to limestone areas
that possesses a
topography peculiar to and
dependent upon
underground water
solution and diversion of
surface waters to
underground route.
Cross-Section of a Karst
SINKHOLES
Ground depression or
opening formed commonly
found in soluble rocks formed
when the underlying or
subterranean void weakens
support of the overlying
surface. They range in size
from several square yards to
hundreds of acres and may be
very shallow or hundreds of
feet deep.
CAVES
• any naturally
occurring void,
cavity, recess
or system of
interconnected
passages beneath
the surface of the
earth or within a
cliff or ledge;
• large enough to permit an individual to
enter, whether or not the entrance,
located either in private or public land, is
naturally formed or man- made;

• Include any natural pit, sinkhole or other

feature which is an extension of the
entrance. The term also includes cave
resources therein, but not any vug, mine
tunnel, aqueduct or other man-made
excavation;
CAVES
Limestone Areas
in the Philippines
 LAND SUBSIDENCE

The lowering of the land surface due to

sinkhole development.
Subsidence due to sinkhole collapse in karst is one of
the most dangerous geohazards due to its extreme
unpredictability
How are
sinkholes
formed?
Types of sinkholes

 SOLUTION sinkhole
 COVER-SUBSIDENCE sinkhole

 COVER-COLLAPSE sinkhole
 SOLUTION sinkhole

Action of Ponding of surface

rain/groundwater depression

Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental

Modified from: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/unesco/diagrams.html

 COVER-SUBSIDENCE sinkhole

Continuous Surface
Spalling Piping
dissolution & infill depression

Brgy. Brgy.
Lomboy, Pangangan
Cabawan, Island,City,
Tagbilaran Calape, Bohol
Bohol

Modified from: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/unesco/diagrams.html

 COVER-COLLAPSE sinkhole

Progressive roof Sudden

Spalling Arch formation
collapse sinkhole

Brgy. Obujan, Antequera, Bohol Island

Modified from: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/unesco/diagrams.html

CAUSES OF SINKHOLE COLLAPSE
• Gravity
• Lowering of water table
• Heavy rainfall (sinkhole
flooding)
• Ground movement due to
earthquake
• Ponding of subterranean river
• Subsidence in coral reef
SIGNS OF SINKHOLES IN YOUR BACKYARD
TENSION CRACKS
SPALLING - Splitting into chips or fragments
where fragments of a material (spall) are
ejected from a body due to impact and stress.
CAVE COLLAPSE
SIGNS OF SINKHOLES UNDER YOUR HOMES
CAVE IMAGING USING GROUND
PENETRATING RADAR
GPR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Pulse Ekko Pro 25 MHz

25 MHz
GPR Survey and Data Processing

Gain, Filter, Process

 Purok Golf Purok Charlie/Mabini Primary School

There are many sinkholes noted at Mabini Primary School. Ground Penetrating
Radar Survey was done in this area.
The location of the Ground Penetrating Radar Survey line at Mabini Primary School is
shown in these photos. The areas with possible underground cave system is marked in
red in the GPR image.
The area with possible underground cave system is marked in red in the GPR image.
www.dnr.mo.gov
THINGS TO DO WHEN THERE IS A
SINKHOLE
Before:
1. Before purchasing a land or house, do a
research fisrt if the area is prone to the
occurrence of sinkholes.
2. Practice brining a whistle every day
3. If you are living in an area prone to the
occurrence of sinkholes, consider moving or
leaving the area for a safer place.
THINGS TO DO WHEN THERE IS A
SINKHOLE
During:
1.When you are trapped in a sinkhole, try to
make noise but don't tap or dig the soil and
rocks around you.
2. If you have a cell phone and if you can still
move, move slowly and carefully. Get your
mobile phone and call for rescue.
3. Stay calm no matter what happens.
THINGS TO DO WHEN THERE IS A
SINKHOLE
After.
1. Check yourself for injuries if you were caught
in a sinkhole and you were able to escape it
2. If you discover a sinkhole, report it
immediately to the authorities.
SOURCES

DRRR BOOK
MGB REGION VI OFFICE