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10 Largest sinkholes in the world

Sinkholes

Do you know what sinkhole is? It is a kind of hole or a depression caused due to natural phenomenon. Sinkholes are caused due to the removal of the top layer of the earth by water. The size and the depths of the sinkhole can be surprising to say the least. They range from several hundred meters in depth and about 100 meters in diameter. They can be formed slowly or rapidly. These sinkholes really form brilliant sights. Below mentioned are the world’s ten largest and deepest sinkholes. Get ready to be astounded!

1. Berezniki Sinkhole

Berezniki Sinkhole

This sinkhole was first observed in a town called Berezniki in Russia. This was formed in 1986 when a potash mine flooded and started to collapse. This sinkhole is about 80 meters long and has an astounding depth of around 200 meters and 40 meter wide. This may not be the biggest sinkhole in the world but it has a significance of its own as 10% of the world’s potash comes from this place. It has also become a threat as it is tending to swallow the nearby railway lines as well.

2. Bimmah Sinkhole

Bimmah Sinkhole

This sinkhole forms one of nature’s strangest creations. It is stunning in looks. Water has filled in making it look even more beautiful. The people of the place have converted this sinkhole to a tourist attracting spot. It has actually now become a swimming spot.

3. Blue Hole in Belize

Blue Hole in Belize

This sinkhole is located about 97 meters from Belize City. It is a very wide deep hole. If seen from the sky, then it appears majestic. The sinkhole is absolutely circular and is located in between the sea. The hole was once a reef during the ice age. Now lots of divers from all over the world are attracted to it. The Blue Hole has a diameter of 305 meters and its width is of about 123 meters.

4. Guatemala Sinkhole, 2007

Guatemala Sinkhole 2007

A giant sinkhole was seen in Guatemala in February 23, 2007. It swallowed several homes. Three people were confirmed missing. This is one sinkhole that has swallowed many sad and tragic memories along with it.

5. Guatemala Sinkhole, 2010

Guatemala Sinkhole 2010

A sinkhole was caused by a tropical storm Agatha. Guatemala has seen another sinkhole in 2010. This was caused mainly due to the torrential rains.

6. Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier

This is the second largest city in South Australia. The place has got many natural features including a massive network of craters and volcanoes which has given rise to large sinkholes. This attracts a number of cave divers. The sinkholes and water field caves attract a lot of tourists from the different sides of the globe and hence this has become one of the hottest spots for tourism in South Australia. Ewens Ponds, Tantanoola Caves, Umpherston Sinkhole, Piccaninnie Ponds, Cave Gardens and Engelbrecht Cave are the some of the few centers of attraction for tourists.

7. Neversink Pit

Neversink Pit

This pit was first seen in Alabama in1998. It is a wet limestone sinkhole. The depth of this sinkhole is of about 15 meters. This was bought by a few cavers in 1990 so that it could be preserved for future generations.

8. The Devil’s Sinkhole

The Devil’s Sinkhole

The devil’s sinkhole is located in Texas. It is about 400 meters deep. Anglos first discovered the sinkhole in 1867. It is a well-recognized tourist destination. There are about four million bats residing here. When these bats set off in the evening, it produces a magnificent view. Tourists are often attracted to see this rare sight.

9. The Ik-Kil Cenote

The Ik-Kil Cenote

It is a perfectly circular hole which supports a lot of vegetation and waterfalls. It is located 3 km from Chichén Itzá and Pisté in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

10. The Winter Park Sinkhole

The Winter Park Sinkhole

In May, 1981, a massive sinkhole opened up below a public swimming pool. It is up to 98 meters wide and 27 meters deep.

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