Subsidence for Dummies
noun
pronunciation: səb'saɪdənsWhat does Subsidence really mean?
Student: Hey teacher, can you help me understand what "subsidence" means? I've heard this word before, but I'm not quite sure what it really means.
Teacher: Of course, I'd be happy to help you understand! "Subsidence" is a word used to describe a gradual sinking or settling down of the Earth's surface. Imagine you have a pile of sand and you slowly remove sand from the bottom. As you take away more and more sand, the top of the pile starts to sink down. That sinking or settling is similar to what happens when subsidence occurs.
Student: Oh, I think I get it now! So, subsidence is like when the Earth's surface sinks down slowly, right?
Teacher: Exactly! You've got it. Subsidence can happen due to a variety of reasons. One common cause is when underground materials, such as rocks or minerals, are removed. This can create empty spaces beneath the surface, causing the ground above to sink down over time. Another reason could be the withdrawal of large amounts of groundwater, like when we use water from underground wells. This can lead to the ground above the water source becoming weaker and eventually sinking.
Student: Okay, I see. So, subsidence can happen if we take things out from underground, and even if we take too much water from the ground?
Teacher: That's absolutely right! Subsidence can also occur when there are changes in the composition of the soil or rocks. Certain types of soil or rocks may be more prone to settling down than others. When these materials change, perhaps due to water infiltration or other natural processes, it can lead to subsidence. It's like when you build a sandcastle at the beach. If the waves wash away some of the sand supporting the castle, it could start to sink or collapse.
Student: Oh, I get it now! So, subsidence is like when the Earth's surface sinks or settles down because of things like removing stuff from underground, taking too much water, or even changes in the soil or rocks!
Teacher: That's exactly it, well done! Subsidence can have different impacts depending on its severity and location. Sometimes, it might not cause much harm, but in other cases, it can lead to significant problems. Buildings, roads, and other structures may suffer damage or become unstable if the ground beneath them sinks. So, it's important for people to be aware of subsidence and take necessary precautions, especially in areas where this phenomenon is known to occur.
Student: Got it! So, if the ground sinks or settles down, it's called subsidence, and that can happen because of different reasons. It can even cause problems for buildings and other structures!
Teacher: That's right, you've got it perfectly! Great job understanding the concept of subsidence. Remember, if you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Learning is all about asking questions and seeking answers!
Revised and Fact checked by Sophia Wilson on 2023-10-28 22:08:32
Subsidence In a sentece
Learn how to use Subsidence inside a sentece
- When a house sinks and goes down into the ground a little, it is called subsidence. Like if you imagine a bag of chips slowly being squished and getting smaller.
- If you see cracks appearing on the walls or floors of a building because the ground under it is sinking, that's subsidence. It's like when you see a cake with cracks on top because it's sinking into itself.
- Sometimes, when it hasn't rained for a long time, the ground can become very dry and shrink, causing the surface to sink. That sinking of the ground is called subsidence. It's similar to when you blow up a balloon and then let the air out slowly, and it gets smaller and smaller.
- When a big heavy truck drives over soft soil repeatedly, the soil can get compressed and sink down a little. That sinking of the ground is called subsidence. It's like when you press down on a pillow with your hand, and it gets flatter and flatter.
- In some coastal areas, the water from the sea can slowly erode the land, causing it to sink. This sinking of the land is called subsidence. It's kind of like when you pour water on sand and watch it disappear slowly into the ground.
Subsidence Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Subsidence Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.
Subsidence Hyponyms
Words that are more specific than the original word.