How It Works

THE SCIENCE OF SINKHOLES

lthough the chances are relatively low, it’s possible for the ground to open up and swallow everything that once lay above it. These events occur due to voids in bedrock. When significant space forms underground, the land can’t support itself, and it collapses to form depressions known as sinkholes. 20 per cent of the US’ land is susceptible to these areas of

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from How It Works

How It Works6 min read
Picturing the Planets
Over 3,000 years ago, Babylonian astronomers discovered that five bright points of light moved across the night sky in a different way from all the other stars. These were the planets we now call Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. In those ear
How It Works1 min read
Fast Facts
NEIL ARMSTRONG’S BOOTS ARE STILL FLOATING IN SPACE This much urine contains enough minerals to charge your phone for three hours Global warming is affecting gravity in Antarctica The world’s oldest fossil forest was recently discovered near Minehead,
How It Works5 min read
How Astronauts Train For space
In space, astronauts lose an average of 1.0 to 1.5 per cent of mineral density in weight-bearing bones per month To build up their bodies, cope with confinement and monitor machinery, astronauts must embark on rigorous training programs For many, it’

Related Books & Audiobooks