Karst landscapes occur when carbonate rocks are dissolved by semi-acidic water. These types of landscapes are found to contain carbonate rock, limestone and dolostone. Karst landscapes are prone to sinkholes, caves, and drainage of water underground. Karst regions may have limited surface water or dissolving rocks which cause sinkholes.
Water patterns are one of the main causes of sinkholes. Weathering, a process which results in residue and open spaces within a rock due to dissolved minerals, is caused by water. Weathering over a long period of time eventually may lead to a sinkhole. Sinkholes also may be caused by water washing away soil and residue from holes within the rock. Low groundwater levels may result in rock collapse which may also cause formation of a sinkhole. Water impoundments, such as basins, ponds or dams, also can cause a sinkhole area.
Seasonal changes, such as the changes that occur from freezing and thawing ground, may cause sinkholes due to the changes in groundwater. Extreme precipitation is another cause of sinkholes due to the unexpected increase in water, such as flooding, or decrease in water, such as a drought.
Human influence may cause abrupt surface level changes that lead to sinkhole developments. Heavy loads on the surface of land, such as large building structures or traffic vibrations may lead to unexpected sinkholes. Disturbances in soil, such as digging, drilling, or soil removal may also cause sinkholes to form. Other causes include leaking water pipes or sewers, and injections of water. Human influence usually causes sinkholes in places they were otherwise unlikely to happen.