Where can sinkholes be found in Virginia?
the Valley and Ridge province
In Virginia, the principal area affected by sinkholes is the Valley and Ridge province, an extensive karst terrain underlain by limestone and dolomite, but narrow marble belts in the Piedmont and some shelly beds in the Coastal Plain are also pocked with sinkholes.
Are sinkholes common in Virginia?
While sinkholes are common in many parts of Virginia, open discussion and information about sinkholes is not often a common occurrence. Therefore, sinkhole questions are not uncommon.
Which area in Virginia is affected by sinkholes and karst topography?
An area of approximately 18,000 acres just east of Catoctin Mountain along the Route 15 corridor north of Leesburg is characterized as karst terrain.
Which Virginia province has many caves and sinkholes?
Virginia itself is a hotbed of caves, with over 4,400 documented in the Commonwealth, but the Ridge and Valley Province is where you’ll find the most cave and karst formations.
Which state is most at risk from sinkholes?
The most damage from sinkholes tends to occur in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.
How do you check for sinkholes?
Contact your State Geological Survey. They are the experts on the geology of your area and they might be able to explain why a sinkhole is forming at your location. Some states have extensive online information about sinkholes, including a place to report them.
Do you think it’s a good idea to dump garbage in the sinkhole?
Thoughtless disposal of game or farm animal carcasses into sinkholes (a common practice) can contaminate the well water of the landowner and even his neighbors. Sinkhole dumping is only one way of contaminating a karstic groundwater supply.
Are houses safe from sinkholes?
When it comes to homes with unrepaired sinkholes, these should be avoided. These homes are usually priced very low, but an unaddressed sinkhole is not only dangerous but can cause serious structural issues in the home.
What are the warning signs that a sinkhole is forming?
Here are the 7 most common signs a sinkhole may appear:
- A round circular depression in the earth:
- Localized subsidence or depression anywhere on the property:
- A circular lake (or a large, deep puddle):
- A foundation settling:
- Cracks in roads or pavement:
- A sudden drop of well water levels on a site: