Sinkholes are natural depressions in the ground that can form when underground spaces collapse. They typically occur in areas with limestone or other carbonate rock near the surface or in places with underground caves or drainage systems. There are three main types of sinkholes: solution sinkholes, which are formed by the dissolving of carbonate rock; cover collapse sinkholes, where the surface layer breaks into an underground void; and cover-subsidence sinkholes, where the soil above bedrock slowly settles. Sinkholes can impact communities by damaging infrastructure like buildings and roads, and pose safety risks.