Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Sinkholes in Turkey's agricultural heartland grow rapidly
In Turkey, there are many sinkholes forming quickly in the Konya basin, a big farming area.
These sinkholes are caused by less rain and falling groundwater levels, which are getting worse because of climate change.
Farmers are digging more wells, which makes the problem even bigger.
There are now almost 700 sinkholes, and they can appear suddenly, which is scary for the people living and working there.
Experts are worried because these sinkholes can be dangerous and might cause accidents.
Sinkholes in Turkey's Konya basin are forming rapidly, nearing 700 in total.
Climate change and drought are the main causes, leading to receding groundwater levels.
Groundwater levels are dropping at a rate of 4 to 5 meters per year, up from half a meter in the 2000s.
Farmers are digging more wells, many unlicensed, exacerbating the groundwater depletion.
Sinkholes pose risks to lives and belongings, with their unpredictable nature causing concern among locals.
- Who
- Farmers and environmental experts in Turkey's Konya basin
- What
- Rapid formation of sinkholes due to climate change and drought
- When
- Accelerated in recent years, with significant changes since the 2000s
- Where
- Konya basin, particularly in Karapinar, Turkey
- Why
- Dwindling rainfall, receding groundwater, and excessive well digging
- Location
- Konya basin, Turkey
- Number of Sinkholes
- Nearing 700
- Main Cause
- Climate change and drought
- Groundwater Recession Rate
- 4 to 5 meters per year
- Unlicensed Wells
- Around 120,000
- Licensed Wells
- Around 40,000