Large Sinkhole Discovered on Swansea Road
A resident in Swansea, Michael Gardner, raised alarm after spotting a significant sinkhole on Southward Lane in the Langland area of Swansea on Tuesday afternoon. The photos of the sinkhole reveal exposed mains services and a sewerage pipe underground. Sinkholes, also known as dolines, can occur due to various processes such as dissolution, collapse, and erosion, as outlined by the British Geological Survey (BGS).
Causes of Sinkholes
- Sinkholes can be caused by the dissolution of soluble rock like limestone when exposed to heavy rainfall or acidic groundwater.
- In the UK, areas like Mendips, Wales, the Peak District, and the Yorkshire Dales are susceptible to sinkhole formation due to underlying carboniferous limestones.
- They are common in the US, particularly in Florida, and are increasingly occurring in the UK.
In a previous incident in St Albans in October 2015, a massive 65ft-wide and 33ft-deep sinkhole was discovered on a street, leading to the evacuation of 20 residents from their homes. When encountering a sinkhole on a road, it is advised to alert emergency services promptly and cordon off the area to ensure public safety. Swansea Council has been contacted for a response regarding the recent sinkhole discovery. Stay informed with the latest news from Swansea by signing up for our newsletter.
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