Question

question 2 of 10
which is one way that sinkholes can form?
a. rivers overflow during a storm and wash away nearby land.
b. tornadoes touch down and destroy trees and brush.
c. rainwater flows away from a depression in the ground.
d. groundwater dissolves the limestone and other rocks in the
ground.

Explanation:

To determine how sinkholes form, we analyze each option:

• Option A: River overflow causing land erosion is related to flooding/erosion but not sinkhole formation. Sinkholes involve underground processes, not surface river overflow washing land.
• Option B: Tornadoes destroying vegetation is a wind - related event and has no connection to the geological process of sinkhole formation.
• Option C: Rainwater flowing away from a depression is about surface water runoff and does not contribute to sinkhole formation. Sinkholes form due to underground rock dissolution, not water flowing away from a depression.
• Option D: Sinkholes often form in areas with limestone or soluble rocks. Groundwater, which is water underground, can dissolve limestone and other soluble rocks. As the rocks dissolve, the ground above can collapse, forming a sinkhole. This option correctly describes a key process in sinkhole formation.

Answer:

D. Groundwater dissolves the limestone and other rocks in the ground.