Sinkholes - Frequently Asked Questions

No. For inspections contact a home inspector or geotechnical engineer with expertise in sinkholes.

Yes. Mark Snow with EGLE’s Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division can answer questions and document your sinkhole activity. Contact Info:

https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/geologic-resources-management/oil-and-gas

No. Not all ground depressions are true sinkholes. Some may result from poor construction, broken pipes, or other surface-level issues. A professional assessment is needed to determine the cause.

Sinkholes are most common in regions of Michigan with karst terrain.

Karst terrain is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, featuring sinkholes, caves, and underground streams.

In most cases, sinkholes are difficult to predict. Some may show warning signs like ground cracks, depressions, or tilting structures, but many form suddenly without clear indicators.

If you live in a karst region (areas with limestone or soluble bedrock), your property may be at higher risk. Bedrock geology maps and local history can help determine risk.

Sinkholes vary in size. Some are only a few feet wide and deep, while others can be hundreds of feet across and cause significant damage.

Depending on their size and location, sinkholes can damage roads, homes, and other structures, and in rare cases, they can lead to injury or death.

If you notice unusual ground movement, cracks in walls, or sagging around your property, contact a foundation inspector and/or a geotechnical engineer with expertise in sinkholes.

It depends. Sinkholes can often berepaired, but the best approach depends on the type, size, and underlying causes of the sinkhole, as well as the surrounding geology and structures.

Avoid walking or driving near it, as the ground may be unstable. Keep people and pets away and notify authorities immediately.

Coverage varies by region and provider. Standard home insurance policies generally do not cover sinkhole damage. Contact your provider to see if sinkhole coverage can be added to your policy.

Professionals use tools like ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity surveys, and soil borings to detect underground voids.

No. Sinkholes occur worldwide, including places like Mexico, China, Italy, and the Middle East.