page_title: Sinkhole
section_title: Notable examples
hierarchical_section_title: Sinkhole / Notable examples
caption_attribution_description: Oman2-056
context_page_description: A sinkhole, also known as a cenote, sink, sink-hole, swallet, swallow hole, or doline, is a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. Most are caused by karst processes – the chemical dissolution of carbonate rocks or suffosion processes. Sinkholes vary in size from 1 to 600 m both in diameter and depth, and vary in form from soil-lined bowls to bedrock-edged chasms. Sinkholes may form gradually or suddenly, and are found worldwide.
context_section_description: Some of the largest sinkholes in the world are:
caption: Bimmah or Falling Star Sinkhole in Oman
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