Collapse Doline

Sinkhole


Cylindrical doline, the entrance to ShowcaveDunmore Cave, RegionIreland. Image by Mathias Duckeck.

When a cave grows, there may be a point where the roof of a cavern is not stable enough. This results in (several) collapses that shape the roof like a dome. This process runs out, when the shape is able to hold the weight of overlying rocks. If the impact of this collapse reaches the surface, if the overlying layers are too thin. The ceiling collapses and a doline is formed. The doline is often a natural entrance to the cave.

Collapse Dolines