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Sinkhole Formation Simulator (2D)

Interactive 2D cross-section of karst sinkhole formation: watch acidic groundwater dissolve limestone bedrock into a growing underground cavity until the roof loses enough strength to collapse.

Geology & Earth Science2DModerate60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

This 2D cross-section shows how a karst sinkhole forms underground: acidic groundwater trickles down a fracture in the limestone bedrock and slowly dissolves it, hollowing out a cavity beneath the soil and road above. Raise the groundwater acidity to speed up dissolution, or raise the soil density above to see how a heavier overburden shrinks the roof's safety margin faster, until the ceiling can no longer support the load and the surface suddenly collapses into a crater.

⚙ Under the hood

Watch a 2D cross-section of karst limestone dissolving into an underground cavity until the roof loses enough strength to collapse, with controls for groundwater acidity and overlying soil density.

GroundwaterErosionCollapseKarst

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install