The
University of Kansas 
An Official Employee
Publication From the Office of University Relations
Survey to study sinkhole
Geophysicists from the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University
of Kansas, were in Hutchinson on Jan. 19 and 20 to study a recently formed
sinkhole on the city’s southeast side.
Survey researchers will use a technique called shallow seismic reflection
in an attempt to better understand the formation of the sinkhole
and identify
the extent of additional areas that might be susceptible to collapse.
The new sinkhole formed in early January of this year near a Hutchinson
salt plant. Salt beds there are about 400 feet deep and about 300
feet thick.
Because the sinkhole is relatively close to railroad tracks in the
area, local and state agency officials and businesses are concerned
that further
development
of the sinkhole might affect rail traffic.