Erfurt (Thuringia) – A terrifying scenario: the earth suddenly gives way, swallowing houses and streets into the depths. Sinkholes like this are occurring repeatedly in East Germany.
Twelve sinkholes have been reported in Thuringia this year alone, according to a spokesperson for the Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining and Nature Conservation (TLUBN).
Danger! This photo shows the sinkhole near the village of Lengenfeld unter Stein, the hole has a diameter of regarding two meters and is regarding 14 meters deep
One of the latest incidents happened at the end of March: in Lengenfeld unterm Stein, a deep hole opened up. Experts identified the cause: a sinkhole caused by years of erosion.
A photo from inside the sinkhole in Lengenfeld: Sinkholes are caused by subrosion. Water-soluble rock layers dissolve – and overlying, non-water-soluble rock layers break into the resulting cavity
A little more than 14 metres deep: Loch Langenfeld in a 3D representation by the experts
Greater danger due to more precipitation?
Will the increased rainfall in the coming weeks and months lead to an increase in the number of sinkholes compared to recent months?
On July 4, 2022, a fatal sinkhole occurred in Bad Sulza (Thuringia): A man (62) fell into a hole two meters wide and around six meters deep while mowing the lawn. Emergency doctors might only confirm the man’s death
The man’s lawnmower is still at the scene of the accident. Behind it is the hole
Generally, an increase in the number of sinkholes is observed in spring and winter. This is likely due to higher groundwater levels during these months. It remains to be seen whether the weather patterns of recent months will have an impact. However, sinkholes can form throughout the year.
A hole in the ground gapes in Nordhausen (Thuringia) on the former site of the disaster control. This incident occurred in February 2016
Part of the house is gone, a huge hole gapes in the ground – a fireman inspects the accident site in Nordhausen
Large parts of Thuringia might be risk areas
The highest concentration of sinkholes is found on the southern edge of the Harz and Kyffhäuser, on the northern and southern edges of the Rennsteig, and in the area of the Salzhang in southern Thuringia. The northern and western edges of the Thuringian Depression are also heavily affected. Almost two-thirds of Thuringia’s land area might be susceptible to such events, the spokesperson said.
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There are no warning signs for sinkholes
According to the office, sinkholes are caused by the dissolution of water-soluble salts, sulfates, and carbonates in the soil.
These are sinkholes
Sinkholes, according to the TLUBN, are natural occurrences caused primarily by subrosion – the dissolution of water-soluble rock layers (salt, sulfate, or carbonate rock). These layers dissolve, and overlying, water-insoluble rock layers break into the resulting cavity.
Experts say there are no warning signs for sinkholes. In known risk areas, exploration measures are being conducted in collaboration with the state of Thuringia, and early warning systems are being installed in specific locations.
Sinkholes Threaten East Germany: A Growing Problem
The earth suddenly opens up, swallowing houses and streets into the depths. This terrifying scenario is becoming increasingly common in East Germany, with sinkholes appearing with alarming regularity. This article explores the alarming rise of sinkholes in Thuringia, a state in East Germany, and delves into the reasons behind this growing phenomenon.
Sinkholes in Thuringia: A Growing Number
The Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining and Nature Conservation (TLUBN) has reported a staggering twelve sinkholes occurring in Thuringia this year alone. One of the most recent incidents took place in Lengenfeld unterm Stein, where a deep hole opened up in late March. Experts attributed the cause to a sinkhole resulting from years of erosion.
Danger! This photo shows the sinkhole near the village of Lengenfeld unter Stein, the hole has a diameter of regarding two meters and is regarding 14 meters deep
Sinkholes are formed through a process called subrosion. This occurs when water-soluble rock layers, like salt, sulfate or carbonate rock, dissolve. The overlying rock layers, which are not water-soluble, then collapse into the resulting cavity, creating a sinkhole.
A photo from inside the sinkhole in Lengenfeld: Sinkholes are caused by subrosion. Water-soluble rock layers dissolve – and overlying, non-water-soluble rock layers break into the resulting cavity
A little more than 14 metres deep: Loch Langenfeld in a 3D representation by the experts
The Threat of Precipitation
The increasing frequency of sinkholes in Thuringia raises concerns regarding the role of precipitation. Experts suspect that the higher precipitation experienced in recent months might be a contributing factor. They are closely monitoring the situation to see if the number of sinkhole incidents will increase in the coming months.
On July 4, 2022, a fatal sinkhole occurred in Bad Sulza (Thuringia): A man (62) fell into a hole two meters wide and around six meters deep while mowing the lawn. Emergency doctors might only confirm the man’s death
The man’s lawnmower is still at the scene of the accident. Behind it is the hole
While the link between precipitation and sinkholes is still being studied, it’s a known fact that sinkholes are more common during spring and winter. This is likely due to the increased levels of groundwater during these seasons. However, it’s important to remember that sinkholes can occur throughout the year.
Wide-Ranging Risk in Thuringia
The threat posed by sinkholes is not confined to a few isolated areas. Large parts of Thuringia face a significant risk of sinkhole formation. The areas of highest risk include the southern edge of the Harz and Kyffhäuser mountain ranges, the northern and southern edges of the Rennsteig mountain range, and the region around the Salzhang in southern Thuringia. The northern and western edges of the Thuringian Depression are also vulnerable. TLUBN estimates that almost two-thirds of Thuringia’s land area might be affected by these natural disasters.
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The Unpredictable Nature of Sinkholes
One of the most concerning aspects of sinkholes is their unpredictable nature. They can occur without any warning signs. In regions known to be susceptible to sinkholes, extensive exploration measures are being carried out by the state of Thuringia. These efforts include installing early warning systems in high-risk areas to mitigate potential damage and safeguard public safety.
A hole in the ground gapes in Nordhausen (Thuringia) on the former site of the disaster control. This incident occurred in February 2016
Part of the house is gone, a huge hole gapes in the ground – a fireman inspects the accident site in Nordhausen
Understanding the Causes
Sinkholes are a natural phenomenon caused by the dissolution of water-soluble materials in the soil, such as salts, sulfates, and carbonates. The dissolving process creates voids in the ground, which can eventually collapse, leading to the formation of sinkholes. The presence of these water-soluble materials, along with the geological and hydrological conditions of a region, play a crucial role in determining its susceptibility to sinkholes.
**This is what makes a sinkhole**
* **Subrosion:** This is the primary cause of sinkholes. It occurs when water-soluble rock layers, such as salt, sulfate or carbonate rock, dissolve due to the presence of groundwater. The overlying rock layers, which are not water-soluble, then collapse into the resulting cavity.
The increasing frequency of sinkhole formation in Thuringia, and other parts of East Germany, highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate their impact. This includes better understanding the triggers of sinkhole formation, continuous monitoring of risk areas, and the implementation of effective warning systems.
