Understanding Sinkholes

A sinkhole opened next to a house in Florida, causing concern. Sinkholes are holes in the earth that form when the roof of a cave or cavern collapses. They vary in size, from a few meters to the massive Red Lake Sinkhole, which is 530 meters deep. Sinkholes can be both frightening and destructive.

What was the initial reaction to the sinkhole opening next to the house in Florida?

• Calm and composed

• Frantic and worried

• Excited

• Indifferent

How do sinkholes typically form?

• By erosion of soil

• By human excavation

• By collapse of a cave or cavern roof

• By volcanic activity

What is the depth of the Red Lake Sinkhole?

• 800 meters

• 250 meters

• 100 meters

• 530 meters

Which of the following best describes the potential impact of sinkholes?

• Useful for mining

• Scary and destructive

• Harmless and small

• Beneficial for agriculture

What is the range of sizes that sinkholes can be?

• Only a few meters

• Only hundreds of meters

• From a few meters to hundreds of meters

• Always over 500 meters