Sinkholes resulting from ground-water withdrawals in carbonate terranes; an overview

Numerous sinkholes resulting from declines in the water table due to ground-water withdrawals in carbonate terranes have occurred in the eastern United States and elsewhere. In Alabama alone, it is estimated that more than 4,000 of these sinkholes, areas of subsidence, or related features have formed since 1900. Damage due to sinkhole activity related to ground-water withdrawals has resulted in a variety of studies utilizing available scientific methods. These studies indicate that identifying the terrane in which the activity most commonly occurs and limiting large withdrawals of water from it will eliminate or minimize the problem. The terrane, youthful in nature, exhibits little karstification, is usually a lowland area, has a water table above or near the top of bedrock, and contains perennial or near-perennial streams.--Modified book abstract.