Final answer:
The water level in a sinkhole is most likely to rise due to the recharge of the water table after nearby rainfall, as this replenishes the groundwater and increases the water table level. The correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The situation that would most likely cause the water level in a sinkhole to rise is D. recharge of the water table after rainfall nearby. Sinkholes are closely linked to the levels of groundwater – when the water table is high, the water level in sinkholes tends to be higher as well. Recharge areas are crucial because they allow surface water to infiltrate into the ground, which in turn replenishes the groundwater and can raise the water table. This increase in the water table level consequently raises the water level in sinkholes. Factors such as increased groundwater acidity, salt water intrusion, and drought can negatively impact the water table level but do not contribute to raising the water level within sinkholes.