What is Karst?
In Florida, the underlying basis of sinkhole is the presence of porous limestone layer
under the topsoil. Karst is land with springs, a sink hole, and streams that sink into ground.

 

The map on the right shows where certain rock types that are susceptible to dissolution in water occur. In these areas the formation of underground cavities can form and catastrophic sinkholes can happen. These rock types are evaporites (salt, gypsum, and anhydrite) and carbonates (limestone and dolomite). Evaporite rocks underlie about 35 to 40 percent of the United States, though in many areas they are buried at great depths. Source: http://www.ga.water.usgs.gov
What causes a sink hole?  - When the ground below surface is carbonated rock, lime stone, or other types of rock that dissolve over time. Water circulating through it and can cause the rock to dissolve away. Then the water washes away the remaining soil. A space or void can develop under the ground. sinkholes are created when surface materials dissolves into earth and can no longer support the earth. The surface will then collapse. A karst sinkhole may develop slowly into a circular shaped hole in the ground, or it could just collapse suddenly. The size and shape of the hole, and the speed that in which it forms will depend greatly on the size of the underground void and the amount of material on the bedrock. When the weigh of to surface material gets to heavy the surface can fail in a dramatic fusion. Some times the collapse occur under house or roads.

There are basically three types of Florida sinkhole that can cause significant damage to your house.
What Type of Florida Sinkhole is Causing Damage to Your Home?

Other causes of Florida sinkhole - Humans can sometimes cause a Florida sinkhole to occur. Some factor to look out for are ground water pumping( this lowers the water table), Vibrations from blasting or heavy traffic or heavy loads on the surface.

Foundation Instability - If you are the owner of a Florida sinkhole home you will probably be suffering from foundation damage. This problem can be exacerbated by the presence of clay, muck, or fine shifting sand under the top soil. It will create instability under the house.

Don't just look for a hole in the ground. Click below to find out what to look for.

Signs of a Florida Sinkhole Damaged Home
Sinkhole Home- First Indicators 
Florida Sinkhole Home - Steps to Remedy
Sinkhole Homes -Repairing Foundation Instability

The Florida Sinkhole Buyer.

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