Question

What are Swallow Holes (aka Sinkholes)?

A. Holes in the ground where birds often gather.
B. Underground caves with unique geological formations.
C. Depressions or cavities in the Earth's surface caused by the dissolution of rock.
D. Natural formations resembling the shape of a swallow's nest.

Answer 1

Swallow holes, or sinkholes, are depressions or cavities in the Earth's surface caused by the dissolution of rock. They form when acidic groundwaters react with basic rock formations like limestone and erode the rock, creating holes in the ground.

Step-by-step explanation:

Swallow holes, also known as sinkholes, are depressions or cavities in the Earth's surface caused by the dissolution of rock. They occur when acidic groundwaters react with basic rock formations, such as limestone, resulting in the erosion of the rock and the formation of holes in the ground. These sinkholes can vary in size and shape and can pose risks to infrastructure and human safety. For example, in some cases, sinkholes can cause the ground to collapse, leading to the formation of deep holes. In 1981, a sinkhole opened under a twelve-year-old boy in Pennsylvania, highlighting the danger they can pose.