Collapsing Earth: Why Are Giant Sinkholes Swallowing Cars, Homes And People All Around The World?Michael Snyder It seems like there is a story about another giant sinkhole in the news almost every single day now, and scientists seem to be at a loss for an explanation. Could human activity be responsible? Yes, the number of sinkholes in the United States definitely seems to be increasing, but we are also seeing massive sinkholes occur all over the globe often in very rural areas. There just doesnt seem to be any pattern that would seem to indicate that human activity is the primary factor. Hopefully scientists can figure out whatever is causing it, because this epidemic just seems to keep getting worse. For example, a giant sinkhole that is 60 feet wide suddenly opened up and threatened to swallow an entire resort near Disney World on Sunday And without a doubt, Florida seems to be particularly vulnerable to giant sinkholes. In Winter Park, Florida a massive sinkhole recently opened up very suddenly and swallowed an entire swimming pool But these kinds of sinkholes are not just forming in Florida and in other places where geologists are telling us that they are supposed to be forming. For example, a giant sinkhole that recently appeared out in Kansas is considered to be such an anomaly that it is actually attracting tourists The sinkhole out in Kansas is in an extremely rural location, but they also have been popping up right in the middle of major cities. In fact, a massive sinkhole that recently appeared right in the middle of Montreal, Canada was so large that it was able to swallow an entire backhoe And some cities are actually being eaten alive by giant sinkholes. For example, more than 40 large sinkholes are plaguing the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania And of course we find this phenomenon all the way out on the west coast as well. In fact, one gigantic sinkhole is threatening an entire housing divisionout near San Francisco, California But that is nothing compared to what is happening down in Louisiana. As you read this, the entire town of Bayou Corne, Louisiana is being swallowed by a sinkhole. Are you starting to get the idea? Sometimes these sinkholes appear so suddenly that people are actually being swallowed by them. Back in February, an absolutely enormous sinkhole appeared so rapidly underneath a home in suburban Tampa that it swallowed a man while he was sleeping. The man woke up as he was being pulled into the earth and he started yelling for help. His brother tried to pull him out but it was too late. His body has never been found. Can you remember ever hearing of such bizarre sinkhole stories in the past? This phenomenon is happening all over the nation. This year sinkholes have caused major roads to closein New Jersey, in Arizona, and in Ohio. It was estimated that the road that was swallowed in Ohio would be closed for months. Over on the other side of the planet they are experiencing a similar thing. For example, a giant sinkhole recently swallowed an entire cement truck over in China. And a giant sinkhole opened up so rapidly in the city of Shenzen that five people died In fact, many of the largest and craziest sinkholes that we have seen in recent years have actually appeared in other countries. The following is from one of my previous articles about sinkholes So what do scientists have to say about this? Have they come to the conclusion that the number of sinkholes is increasing? Well, the official story seems to be we dont know And it is true that it is hard to find official numbers for sinkholes. But there is some evidence out there. For example, according toABC News insurance claims in Florida related to sinkholes more than doubled between 2006 and 2009 But that could just be a coincidence, right? And all of the news stories about giant sinkholes that are popping up this year could just mean that people are noticing them more than they used to, right? You can believe that if you want. Personally, I am convinced that something very strange is going on. I cant explain precisely why it is happening, but it does seem clear that the size and the frequency of sinkholes are both increasing. So what do you think? Do you believe that this giant sinkhole phenomenon is something to be concerned about? Please feel free to share your thoughts by posting a comment below See Also:Holey Toledo Two Dangerous Sinkholes in One Month 