Geology
14:50, 17-Apr-2018
Geologists explore the world's largest sinkhole cluster in China
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Hanzhong City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province is believed to be home to one-fourth of all natural sinkholes in the world.
A total of 54 holes have been discovered, including 49 depressions reported in late 2016, according to a report released on Monday by Chinese geologists who conducted a two-year research in the area.
The largest of them is more than 500 meters wide, ranking fifth globally.
The world's sixth largest hole is also among the cluster. It contains a complicated water system and was described as "the most beautiful sinkhole" by geologists.
The holes were formed naturally thanks to underground water flows. The water slowly washed away the karst rocks and eventually caused the ground to collapse.
"Some of the holes have two-layer structures. One layer is usually 30-100 meters deep," Li Rongshe, a local engineer working for the Geological Survey of China told CCTV.
Curious about what the holes look like? Watch the video for more.