The Science of Sinkholes: Uncovering Connections Between Chemistry, Earth Science, Human Activity, and Social Justice

In August 2012, a community in Bayou Corne, LA was shocked to discover a massive, tennis court-sized hole appearing in their town with little warning. The Louisiana Governor issued an evacuation order and at least 350 residents of the small, rural community had no choice but to evacuate their homes. The sinkhole, created from a collapsed underground cavern operated by the Texas Brine Company, continued to expand, eventually becoming a 40-acre, mile deep cavern filled with polluted water. As a result, residents were not able to return for years and some have yet to return home.