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https://geologyviewer.bgs.ac.uk
Burst water main ‘probable’ cause of Surrey sinkhole, geologists say
https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/burst-water-main-probable-cause-of-surrey-sinkhole-geologists-say
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The Godstone sinkhole incident has brought attention to the growing concern of ground collapses in the UK.
The sinkhole suddenly appeared on a road near residential properties, forcing local residents to evacuate and seek temporary accommodation.
As engineers assessed the situation, it became clear that the collapse might have been caused by heavy rainfall, water leakage, or gradual erosion of the underlying soil.
Godstone, located in Surrey, has a geological history marked by chalk and sandstone formations, which are more susceptible to such ground collapses when water percolates through, dissolving the material over time.
One possible contributor to the collapse is the historical mining in the region. Godstone and its surroundings were known for quarrying “rate stone,” a type of building material.
While experts doubt the old mines are directly responsible, the complex underground structure of the area complicates the situation. Engineers are currently calculating how much Type 1 aggregate is needed to fill the void and stabilize the ground.
UK Sinkhole Hotspots
Sinkholes are common in the UK, particularly in areas with soluble bedrock such as chalk, limestone, and gypsum. The most vulnerable regions include:
South East England:
Including Surrey, Kent, and Sussex, where chalk and greensand formations are prevalent. The Godstone sinkhole falls into this category.
Yorkshire:
Known for its limestone landscape, Yorkshire has experienced significant sinkhole events, particularly around the Dales.
South Wales:
The carboniferous limestone regions here are prone to sinkholes, often exacerbated by heavy rainfall.
Mendip Hills (Somerset):
The karst landscape here is susceptible to ground collapses, especially during wet seasons.
Climate change, with increased rainfall and extreme weather events, continues to heighten the risk of sinkholes across these vulnerable regions.
