Sinkholes Tellus Border Earthquake - Geological Survey of Ireland

Geology Matters: Summer 2013
Bedrock collapse dolines are
caused by collapse of bedrock
into an underlying void. They are
commonly due to the collapse
of the roof of a cave and can
be catastrophic. Although
solution is a significant process
driving the creation of these
dolines, they are principally
due to mechanical processes,
although the collapse must be
preceded by sufficient solution
of the bedrock to form a void
into which the material can fall
(Williams, 2004a).
They can also be caused by
lowering of the water table
removing buoyant support.
They are usually characterised
by a high depth to width ratio and
vertical bedrock sides, although
in time they may degrade and
infill. These are less common
in Ireland.
Bedrock collapse Doline Formation (Jennings 1985)
Pollelva doline in Co. Clare.
Photo: Colin Bunce, Clare Caving Club
page 21