Unexplained Vanishing Lakes: What Causes Them and What Can We Learn?

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In summary, a 23-acre lake in Wildwood, Missouri suddenly disappeared due to a sinkhole, leaving residents shocked and concerned about property values. This is not an uncommon occurrence, with similar incidents reported in other places such as Florida.
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http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2384990.html?menu=news.quirkies
Ok, so there's this lake that allegedly disappeared extremely quickly. They showed it on the American television show 60 Minutes a few nights ago, and to me it actually looked like there was still a lake there, but I guess that was a before picture, not after. Is this real? If so, how did it happen?
 
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I reckon Coca-Cola nicked it.
 
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Vanishing lakes are something that is more common than one would think.

We had a thread about a 23 acre lake that vanished in Saint Louis, MO in 2004. It also discusses the Lake Peigneur disaster.

WILDWOOD, Mo. - To folks around Wildwood, it is nothing but freaky: an entire 23-acre lake vanished in a matter of days, as if someone pulled the plug on a bathtub.

Lake Chesterfield went down a sinkhole this week, leaving homeowners in this affluent St. Louis suburb wondering if their property values disappeared along with their lakeside views.

“It’s real creepy,” said Donna Ripp, who lives near what had been Lake Chesterfield. “That lake was 23 acres — no small lake. And to wake up one morning, drive by and it’s gone?”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5191079/

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=242458

This link discusses the disappearance of Florida Lakes such as Lake Jackson and Lake Cascade.

http://www.fsu.edu/~fstime/FS-Times/Volume5/sept99web/13sept99.html
 
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Related to Unexplained Vanishing Lakes: What Causes Them and What Can We Learn?

What is the "Disappearing Chilean Lake"?

The "Disappearing Chilean Lake" refers to a lake called Lake Cachet II, located in southern Chile. This lake has been known to periodically drain and disappear due to glacial outburst floods.

Why does Lake Cachet II drain and disappear?

Lake Cachet II sits on top of a glacier, and when the glacier melts or collapses due to warm temperatures, pressure, or volcanic activity, the lake water is released in a sudden flood. This phenomenon is called a glacial outburst flood.

How often does this disappearing act occur?

The lake has been observed to drain and disappear approximately every five to ten years since the 1960s. However, the frequency and severity of these events have increased in recent years due to climate change and glacial retreat.

What are the impacts of the disappearing lake?

The glacial outburst floods caused by the disappearing lake can have devastating impacts on the surrounding ecosystem and communities. These floods can destroy infrastructure, damage vegetation, and disrupt wildlife habitats. They can also pose a threat to human lives and livelihoods.

Is there a way to prevent the lake from disappearing?

Currently, there is no known way to prevent the lake from disappearing. However, monitoring and studying the lake and its surrounding glacier can help us better understand the phenomenon and potentially develop strategies to mitigate its impacts in the future.

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