Dry spells and heavy rains in central Florida over the past two months have created the perfect mix for sinkholes to develop.
“Parts
of Florida received more than twice their average rainfall for the
month of August. The Tampa area was among the wettest, with more than 8
inches above average rainfall,” said weather.com digital meteorologist
Quincy Vagell. The remnants of Tropical Storm Erika that drenched the region last month only added to that large number.
Porous carbonate rocks, such
as limestone, make up Florida’s peninsula, weather.com reports. Because
of this, dirt, sand and clay lie on top of the limestone roof. Over
time, these carbonate rocks can dissolve into an acid composed of oxygen
found in water and create a void underneath it. When the dirt, clay and
sand on top get too heavy for the roof, it can collapse and form a
sinkhole.
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