In July 2001, the town of Spring Hill, Florida, about 45 miles north of Tampa, had 18 sinkholes appear in a single day. The larg
est holes were nearly 100 feet deep. This is an indication that ________. A. hurricanes had recently occurred, and the water table rose
B. agriculture had increased, and the water table rose with irrigation recharge
C. a drought had recently occurred, along with increased development and groundwater use
D. prolonged rainstorms had recently occurred, and the water table rose
E. earthquakes had recently occurred, and the water table sank
The best response is Option C: a drought had recently occurred, along with increased development and groundwater use.
Explanation:
One problem that results when excessive water is taken from aquifers is that the surrounding soils become compacted and the size of the aquifer is reduced and this can lead to the appearance of sinkholes. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, since 1930 there has been a 100 percent increase in the number of sinkholes that are caused by humans. Even just between 1987 to 1991, insurance claims due to sinkholes rose by 1200%. Humans cause sinkholes through water consumption due to building cities and depleting local aquifers.
