Flooding & Sinkholes

You’ve got questions, and we have answers. No question is too simple or complex for our panel of science advisors who stand ready to field your questions about climate change. 

This week, Erika Freimuth, PhD, of Climate Central answers a question about how the recent intense rainfall and flooding would impact sinkholes in Florida. As the managing editor and writer for Climate Matters, Erika draws on her background in paleoclimate and her passion for science communication to support reporting about climate change impacts and solutions.

Read other Q&A here, and don’t be shy about asking your questions here.

Warmly,
The C-Change Conversations Team

Q: Does the recent, extreme flooding in south Florida increase the risk of sinkholes? 

A: The intense rainfall and flooding that we saw in June in southern Florida are both linked to climate change– and both extremes can lead to sinkholes. 

Sinkholes are common in Florida due to the karst terrain [landscape formed by dissolving bedrock that features sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, and similar topography]. Sinkholes can have natural causes (for example, groundwater weathering of limestone) and human-induced causes (such as pumping groundwater and mining). Either way, they can be dangerous and costly, and they’re especially common in the areas that have seen extreme rainfall and flooding this month. 

The Southeast has experienced the greatest increase (37%) in heavy rainfall events in the United States. Heavier downpours can cause more intense flooding, and both can contribute to the formation of sinkholes.

As we experience more storms with intense rainfall and flooding, awareness of sinkholes is becoming increasingly important. This map from the Florida Geological Survey shows reported subsidence/sinkhole incidents in the state. The Florida DEP offers a FAQ on sinkholes to help you recognize and respond to signs of possible occurrences on your property. 

Erika Freimuth, PhD
Managing editor and writer for Climate Central’s Climate Matters