What causes sinkholes to form suddenly?

Sinkholes form suddenly when the ground collapses into an underground cavity, often created by the erosion of soluble rock such as limestone. Water dissolves the rock over time, leaving behind voids. If the surface layer can no longer support its weight, it collapses, forming a sinkhole. Human activities like groundwater extraction or construction can accelerate this process, making sinkholes more frequent in vulnerable areas.