Sinkholes are dramatic depressions in the Earth’s surface, formed when water dissolves rock – often limestone – creating underground voids that eventually collapse.
They can appear suddenly, swallowing roads or buildings, or form gradually, shaping landscapes.
Some of the world’s most remarkable sinkholes include China’s Xiaozhai Tiankeng, the world’s deepest, Belize’s Great Blue Hole, a vast marine cavern visible from space, and Mexico’s cenotes, sparkling pools revered by the Maya.
In pictures: 5 of the planet's most incredible sinkholes
Top image: Great Blue Hole, Belize. Credit: Getty
More amazing stories from around the world
- Barrels dumped off LA coast have developed spooky 'halos'. We finally know what's going on
- There's a mysterious animal in the tropical forests of Panama that waves at predators – in a very scary way
- Satellite images capture great wildebeest migration from space. A close look reveals something startling
- 'Ghost sharks' are lurking off the coast of Washington – and they have teeth growing out of their foreheads
