Catastrophic subsidence into sinkholes tends to occur more often in areas underlain by __________________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sinkholes are often formed in areas where the ground is composed of limestone, which is a type of rock that is soluble in acidic water. When acidic freshwater flows through limestone, it dissolves the rock and creates voids or cavities underground. Over time, the weight of the overlying soil can cause these voids to collapse, leading to sinkhole formation. Basic freshwater (choice D) and basic saltwater (choice E) are less likely to dissolve limestone and create sinkholes compared to acidic freshwater (choice A). Acidic saltwater flowing through granite (choice C) is also unlikely to create sinkholes as granite is a harder and less soluble type of rock compared to limestone.

Catastrophic Subsidence into Sinkholes Tends to Occur More Often in Areas