Among the environmental features in central Florida are sinkholes. These features of a karst landscape form when the roof of an underground cavern collapses into the cavern. Many of the lakes of...

Among the environmental features in central Florida are sinkholes. These features of a karst landscape form when the roof of an underground cavern collapses into the cavern. Many of the lakes of central Florida are sinkhole lakes.

Sinkholes can suddenly form within the land surface, with any overlying structures or roads being lost into the void. Sinkhole formation is much more active during periods of drought. Why is this? For a hint, remember Archimedes’ principle.

Would overdevelopment of shallow ground-water resources cause a similar problem?