Sinkhole Sinkhole A sinkhole, also known as a cenote, sink, sink-hole, swallet, swallow hole, or doline (the different terms for sinkholes are often used interchangeably), is a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. Most are caused by karst processes—for example, the chemical dissolution of carbonate rocks or suffosion processes. Sinkholes vary in size from both in diameter and depth, and vary in form from soil-lined bowls to bedrock-edged chasms. Sinkholes may form gradually or suddenly, and are found worldwide. Sinkholes may capture surface drainage from running or standing water, but may
Akhayat sinkhole But a part of the ladder has been demolished and descending by using the ladder is dangerous. There are several man made caves on the walls of the sinkhole. west of the sinkhole there are traces of an ancient settlement which was probably a cult center. It is thought that the sinkhole and the settlement were probably related to each other. There are rock tombs and altars to the south of the sinkhole There are other sinkholes in Mersin Province such as Cennet and Cehennem system and Kanlıdivane. Akhayat is relatively less known. Although it is possible to visit the