A depression or hole in the ground caused when water erodes underlying rock, creating a cavity that eventually collapses. These natural phenomena can range from small depressions to massive craters that can swallow buildings.
From English 'sink' (from Old English 'sincan' meaning to fall or descend) + 'hole' (from Old English 'hol'). The compound term emerged in the early 20th century as geological understanding of these formations developed.
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