Laboratory10 Sinkholes Final
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Apr 3, 2024
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Laboratory #10: Sinkholes
Lab Materials •
Maryland Geological Survey: Sinkholes
(external website)
Lab Instructions •
Read Part I and Part II of the following article and answer the questions at
the end of each section. Submit a MS Word document or *.pdf file with your responses to
the assignment dropbox. All answers should be in your own words (do not copy and paste
definitions).
•
Answer each question at least two complete sentence (+30 words); some
answers will require more explanation than others. The more points a question is worth
suggests the amount explanation you should provide in your response. You will be
deducted points for short and incomplete answers.
Part I - Sinkholes Near Orlando, Florida
The Orlando metropolitan area is situated in a region where sinkholes can develop unexpectedly
as the land surface collapses into underground cavities. These cavities occur in the limestone
bedrock, which is covered by 90 to 150 feet of sandy clay and an additional 30 to 60 feet of sand
(see geologic cross section in Figure 1). The limestone bedrock also serves as an aquifer, called
the Floridan Aquifer, for the residents of this area.
Figure 1:
Generalized cross section in the Suwannee River basin showing karst features that facilitate the exchange of water between the surface and subsurface. Source
. At least 140 new sinkholes formed in the Orlando area (Orange and Seminole Counties) between
1961 and 1986, with an average of 11 new sinkholes appearing each year (Wilson and Beck 1992). Data from Wilson and Beck (1992) show that the appearance of new sinkholes is not
equally distributed throughout the year (see Figure 2).
Figure 2:
Number of new sinkholes in Orange and Seminole Counties, Florida by month of the year for the years 1961 through 1986. Questions
•
During what months of the year are sinkholes most likely to form in the
Orlando area? Which months of the year are least likely to experience the formation of a
sinkhole? (2 points) April and May are the months with the highest probability of occurrence, while February
and November are the least likely. This suggests that events or activities are more
probable to happen during April and May, whereas February and November are less
favored. Overall, April and May are the most probable months, whereas February and
November are the least probable.
•
Write a hypothesis
that might explain this pattern of sinkhole development.
(2 points)
Sinkholes vary in size, shape, and formation speed globally. Understanding karst regions
and local areas requires a thorough grasp of significant geological and topographical data.
This comprehension is necessary to comprehend the development and characteristics of
sinkholes effectively.
•
What data would you need to collect to test your hypothesis?(2 points)
To evaluate the validity of my theory, it is essential to gather empirical data pertaining to the monthly incidence of sinkholes and their frequency of occurrence. To test my idea, I would also need to gather data using ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity studies, and soil borings.
•
Explain how you would setup the experiment to test your hypothesis. (2
points)
In order to establish the experiment for testing my idea, I would document the monthly precipitation over a span of five years. In addition, I would document the monthly count of sinkholes over a span of five years to ascertain whether there is a correlation between an increase in rainfall and a rise in sinkholes. I would do an assessment of the region to determine the specific type of karst area or sinkhole I am encountering. To do so, I would establish several electrical resistivity survey lines over the site, delineate the desired regions, and search for locations with higher resistivity.
•
Is Broward Country susceptible to sinkholes? Explain why or why not.
Note: a minimum of 3 reliable references (not Wikipedia) should be cited in APA format.
Visit APA Citation Style & Formatting
, EasyBib
, or Purdue Online Writing Lab
for help
with citations.(4 points)
The occurrence of sinkholes in Broward County is infrequent, thereby indicating a relatively low susceptibility to such phenomena. Sinkholes form as a result of the erosion and subsequent collapse of limestone. In southern Florida, our vulnerability is reduced due to the proximity of the limestone to the surface rather than being located several feet below the earth.
Hernandez, Christina. “Expert Talks about Possiblity of Sinkholes in South Florida.” NBC 6 South Florida
, NBC 6 South Florida, 5 Mar. 2013, www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Sinkholes-Not-Likely-in-South-Florida-195112521.html.
Press, The Associated. “Sinkholes Follow up: Where They’re More Likely to Occur.” The
Florida Times-Union
, Florida Times-Union, 13 Aug. 2013, www.jacksonville.com/article/20130813/NEWS/801248316. “Sinkhole FAQ.” Florida Department of Environmental Protection
, floridadep.gov/fgs/sinkholes/content/sinkhole-faq. Accessed 22 Mar. 2024. Part II - Mining Company Sued for Causing Sinkhole
During the spring of 1994, a man driving his minivan near Westminster, Maryland, plunged to
his death in a sinkhole that suddenly opened up in the road. His widow sued a local mining
company for $13.5 million, claiming that it was responsible for the development of this sinkhole.
Read the following article and answer the questions below. As is common with newspaper
articles, this one does not provide all of the information we might like to have to evaluate the
validity of the widow’s claim. However, using the geologic information available for this region
and your basic understanding of how sinkholes form, it is possible to at least have an informed
opinion about what happened and what additional information would be needed to further
evaluate this case.
SINKHOLE
SUIT
SEEKS
MILLIONS
The state of Maryland and Redland Genstar, Inc., are each being sued for $13.5 million by the
widow of a man who was killed when his minivan plunged into a sinkhole on Maryland Route
31.One early morning in March of 1994, Robert W. Knight, 24, was driving down a darkened
stretch of pavement between Westminster and New Windsor when the road ran out. Sometime
during the night a 45-foot-wide hole had developed without warning that the driver never saw
until it was too late. The Taneytown native died at a hospital later that day. Sinkholes can occur
when underground limestone or marble bedrock slowly dissolves, leaving behind caves that
eventually become so large that they collapse. In her suit against the state and Genstar, based in
Hunt Valley, the plaintiff claims emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship, financial
support and other losses on her part and on behalf of her two children. Her suit was filed in
Carroll County Circuit Court and targets a Medford quarry situated close to the sinkhole site and
belonging to Genstar. According to the suit, Genstar failed to look into possible hazards, failed to
provide the state with reports on the impact of the mining, failed to prevent sinkholes on Route
31 and failed to warn the public of possible danger. The suit further alleges that "Genstar drew
off billions of gallons of water from underground streams and severely lowered the water table,
leading to the development of sinkholes throughout the immediate area surrounding the quarry
and the sinkhole on Route 31 in which Robert Wayne Knight lost his life." A spokesman for
Genstar denied responsibility for the accident. According to a recent state law, "spheres of
influence" are drawn around quarries indicating areas in which sinkholes and other geologic
activity can be attributed to mining activity. A company is liable for property damage within
these spheres if it is caused by its mining activity. However, Genstar claims that the area where
the sinkhole occurred on Route 31 lies outside the company’s jurisdiction.
Westminster
is situated near the center of Carroll County in east central Maryland. Questions
•
Are geologic conditions in this part of the state susceptible to sinkhole
development? Be sure to explain your answer. To help you answer this question, visit the
Maryland Geological Survey
to learn about Maryland's sinkholes. (3 points)
Sinkholes are not likely to occur in this region of the state because to the geology characteristics. The limestone in southern Florida is situated in closer proximity to the Earth's surface, in contrast to the geological circumstances in Maryland, where it is located at greater depths under the surface and has a longer age.
•
In the previous section, you wrote a hypothesis regarding when sinkholes
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are mostly to develop in Florida. Do you believe your hypothesis also applies to
Maryland? Give your reasoning. Note that some parts of Maryland does have karst
topography. (2 points)
I doubt that my hypothesis is relevant to Maryland's geological conditions since
numerous areas in Maryland exhibit karst topography, making them more prone to
sinkholes historically. Therefore, it's probable that my hypothesis doesn't apply to
Maryland due to its geological characteristics and susceptibility to sinkholes.
•
As a geologist, what data would you need to collect to determine the
possible cause(s) of the sinkhole? (2 points)
Various factors can contribute to the formation of a sinkhole. In the field of geology, it is important to gather a diverse range of data including several aspects, including but not limited to weathering conditions, groundwater levels, groundwater gradients, seasonal variations, soil levels,
and water impoundments.
•
Do you believe that Ms. Knight has a legitimate case against Genstar or,
perhaps, is she suing for the possibility of making millions of dollars over bereavement in
accidental death? Explain. Do you believe there is more to the story? (3 points)
In my opinion, Ms. Knight possesses a valid legal argument against Genstar. The lawsuit unequivocally asserts that Genstar neglected to conduct thorough investigations into potential dangers within the vicinity, and exhibited deficiencies in several aspects of ensuring safety and alerting the public about potential risks associated with the property and its environs. Additionally, it is said that Genstar was modifying the soil and water levels in the vicinity of the tragic incident.
Part III - Corvettes take a Plunge
On February 12, 2014, a sinkhole opened below a Corvette museum in Bowling Green,
Kentucky.
Sinkhole
swallows
pricey
Corvettes
at
hallowed
museum
Sinkholes are swallowing Corvettes now. Last year it was houses in Florida, and on Wednesday
nature gobbled up some of the coolest and fastest cars to come off the assembly line. Eight
valuable 'vettes at Bowling Green, Kentucky's National Corvette Museum fell victim to a 40-
foot-wide, 20-foot-deep sinkhole that opened up in the facility's yellow Sky Dome wing. The
museum unofficially estimates it caused millions of dollars in damage. Motion detectors alerted
security that something was amiss shortly after 5:30 a.m., said museum spokeswoman Katie
Frassinelli. An employee who first walked into the room "has been in shock all day," she said.
"When you go in there, it's unreal," said Frassinelli. "The hole is so big, it makes the Corvettes
look like little Matchbox cars." The news triggered a collective worldwide gasp from the
Corvette Nation. Using remote-controlled drones, geologists and engineers from nearby Western
Kentucky University have already explored the sinkhole and determined that the Sky Dome
suffered no structural damage, Frassinelli said. "There's a cave down there," she said, adding that
the museum is only a short drive away from Mammoth Cave National Park. The damaged
portion of the museum will be closed indefinitely, but the rest of the facility will be open as usual
on Thursday, she said. The painful losses have been tallied: Of the eight cars that fell, six were
donated to the museum by Corvette enthusiasts, and two are owned by the car's maker, General
Motors. The total value of the damaged cars is substantial, said museum executive director
Wendell Strode. Almost all the cars have been removed from the room. They've been setting up
ramps to get the last one out," said Frassinelli. That remaining Corvette is suspended in a
precarious position on a riser directly above the sinkhole. Bharucha, of the Long Island Corvette
Owners Association, knows the museum well, having visited it at least six times. "There's a sense
of awe and you get a lump in your throat when you walk inside." He's right. I've been there. It's
hallowed ground. Under the Sky Dome's recognizable red spire and towering vaulted 100-foot
high ceiling sits a round chamber that cradled rare vehicles, including Indianapolis 500 and
Daytona 500 pace cars. The room feels like a cathedral. And for many enthusiasts, it is kind of
the Church of the Corvette. It is home to more than 70 unique Corvettes, including several
prototypes and a unique 1983 model -- the only one in existence. The sinkhole couldn't have
come at a worse time, as the museum prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary and open a 184-
acre Motorsports Park in August. Some 5,000 people are already pre-registered to attend the
park's grand opening. Sinkholes at the Motorsports Park aren't really a concern, Frassinelli said.
Several holes were found during construction and were made harmless, she said. "We want to
move forward as soon as possible", she said. "We want to start repairs and recovery."
Questions
•
Based on the reading, how do the residents and employees view sinkholes
(e.g. a sense of fear, anxiety, apathy, concerned)? As a non-resident, do you share their
same view? (1 point)
The sinkhole at the museum has elicited a sense of astonishment and bewilderment among both residents and staff. They now hold the belief that the sinkholes, which were identified and cautioned of throughout the building, have been rendered harmless.
•
What precautions should be taken when constructing another building in
the area? (2 point)
Prior to construction structures in areas prone to sink holes, it is necessary to take certain measures. Precautionary measures encompass the examination of previously interred objects, assessment of soil levels, identification of ground fissures, awareness of the presence of nearby small bodies of water, observation of sagging trees, interruption of plumbing and electrical services, and identification of deceased vegetation.
•
How is the Kentucky newspaper article compare and contrast to the
Maryland story? (2 points)
The disparity between the Kentucky newspaper article and the Maryland narrative lies in the absence of documented fatalities or injuries within the Kentucky corvette museum, in contrast to the Maryland account. Both articles share a common characteristic as they both depict an automobile being engulfed by sinkholes.
•
If this sinkhole was to occur during the day when visitors where in the
museum, do you believe this story would be similar to the Maryland incident? Explain
your answer. (3 points)
If the occurrence at the museum in Kentucky had taken place during daylight hours while tourists
were there, it is plausible to argue that the narrative would bear greater resemblance to the Maryland sinkhole incident. I have this belief due to the potential occurrence of injuries and adverse consequences for impacted families.
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