Generally, a sinkhole is an area of the ground where moving water dissolves away rock, causing cracks and pores in the bedrock to get bigger. Over time, these cracks may form large cavities or caves that allow water to pool beneath the surface. This, in turn, weakens the structure below the earth's surface, and eventually leads to the ground collapsing in on itself, creating a sinkhole.
Sinkholes may vary in size and shape ranging from a few feet wide to hundreds of acres, and their depth may range from less than a foot to over 100 feet deep. If a sinkhole is not repaired properly, it may cause catastrophic damage to a home in a short period of time.