9 of This Year's Most Alarming Sinkholes

While sinkholes can be explained by science (erosion, mining, and water main breaks are the typical culprits), unanticipated appearances sometimes lead witnesses to interpret them as an act of God, or even proof of End Times.

And why not? These giant holes can wreck vehicles and buildings with shocking speed. In February, a sinkhole swallowed a suburban Tampa home and the 36-year-old man in its bedroom. His body was never recovered. Six months later, a 60-foot-wide sinkhole formed underneath a central Florida resort. Possessions were lost, but the guests evacuated in time. "I've always said it's a given that when you move to Florida you get beaches, sunshine, hurricanes and sinkholes," a Florida Geological Survey scientist, told the Guardian earlier this year.