SLEMAN - The appearance of several holes in the field of Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) make the residents worried. What does the geologist say about this phenomenon?

"It is natural that there is a karst, there is possibly a cave or cavity underground, and above it there is a fracture, it becomes the entrance of water and the weathering of limestone chemicals, then the soil is sinking, or there is a hole on it, it takes a long process tens to hundreds of years, "said Lecturer of Geological Engineering University of National Development (UPN)" Veterans "Yogyakarta, Arif Rianto Budi Nugroho, when contacted by AFP on Wednesday (7/2/2018).

Moreover, the ground sinking is also triggered by heavy loads above the ground, especially during the rainy season because the limestone weathering needs water support.

"In Gunungkidul, there are also underground caves, underground rivers, if water discharges through fractures, then there are heavy loads on them, the soil is easily sinking. It is the characteristic of karst area," he said.

Arif explained that this phenomenon does not only happen in Gunungkidul,but also it can happen in other karst hill areas.

"If it is in abroad, it iscalled 'sinkhole', there have been cases of sudden fields also hollowed out, the highway suddenly collapsed, it is because under it there is a kind of cave, or a cavity that is wide and because heavy loads on it become ambles , "he explained.

Having special events in Gunungkidul, Arif hoped the local community or farmers be more careful because it is not possible that the hole will expand to adjust the condition of the cavity underneath, especially in the rainy season.

"Actually it can be mapped, but it needs a tool and a team of experts.The local government can communicate with the central government to ask for research assistance in the field, it could also be a tandem of academics or other institutions that focus on karst areas," he added.

(great)

Source:

https://news.detik.com/jawatengah/3854776/ini-penjelasan-pakar-soal-munculnya-lubang-misterius-di-gunungkidul