Qualitative Modelling Of The Cover-Collapse Process

Cover-collapse sinkholes develop rapidly and unexpectedly. Most of the processes culminating in the final surface collapse occur below ground. In order to observe and study the mechanisms by which dissolved voids in limestone propagate upward to cause sinkholes, a parallel plate model was utilized. Natural sediments were layered in the tank and holes were opened in the bottom. While only qualitative and preliminary, the modelling studies appeared to yield conclusions which may be useful in sinkhole studies. -from Author