Chapter 16, Problem 104A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason that the salt beds are prone to sinkholes is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Salt beds are shallow and thin formations formed when salt caverns penetrate in the land. This bed height is around $1000\text{ft}$ . Sinkholes are depressions that have no external drainage surface, which means it looks like a pit where the rainwater is remain inside these holes.

Explanation of Solution

The type of rock below the land surface of seabeds can naturally be dissolved in the groundwater. This rock includes gypsum, limestone, and other carbonate rock. When it rains, these types of rock begin to dissolve; thus, creating underground spaces and caverns which lead to the formation of sinkholes.