5 things you need to know about the mysterious sinkholes threatening the Great Lakes
- The Great Lakes are being destabilized by a wave of massive sinkholes, with some opening up to 100 feet wide and swallowing entire sections of shoreline overnight.
- Scientists have discovered that the sinkholes are triggered by hidden underground caves formed by ancient glaciers, which are now collapsing due to fluctuating water levels.
- The Lake Michigan coast has become a hotspot, with over 50 new sinkholes recorded this year, forcing emergency evacuations in tourist towns like Manistique.
- Underwater sinkholes in Lake Huron are releasing “dead zones”—pockets of toxic, oxygen-free water that can suddenly surface and kill fish and disrupt ecosystems.
- Concern is rising that these sinkholes could breach underground infrastructure, including pipelines and fiber optic cables, threatening the region's drinking water and internet connectivity.