Sinkholes in Florida and Their Effect on Man\u27s Environment

The primary reason for making the research study on Sinkholes in Florida and Their Effect on Man\u27s Environment , is an interest in learning more about this somewhat unique phenomenon and how it is likely to affect man in the future, particularly here in Central Florida. This is significant at this time in view of the large number of existing sinkholes, the frequency of occurrence, the projected population and economic growth, and the possible impact this growth may have on future sinkhole occurrences. The research concentrated on possible causes, effects, frequencies, locations and mean of predicting future sinkhole development. There is a large amount of published material on possible causes, including general agreement on some fundamental aspects. There is controversy however, among qualified experts on some of the finer pints. The research revealed a small amount of data on effects and very little organized activity to collect and evaluate data on all known sinkholes as to location, frequency of occurrence, conditions found at the site, and known geological data pertaining to the area. Descriptive data on conditions is expected to include diameter, depth, size of the opening in the limestone and, if possible, characteristics of the cavern, including whether or not limestone debris was found. Several studies on possible means of predicting potential sinkhole activity were found