Two construction workers wearing safety gear operate drilling equipment along a set of railway tracks. One worker is seated on a small drilling rig, while another stands nearby. The scene includes hoses, machinery, and stacks of wooden pallets in the background.

Sinkholes, Potholes and Washouts: Identification and Remediation of Geologic and Anthropogenic Ground Collapse Hazards

One of the most frequent 'emergency' callouts that a geoscientist will receive is when the ground surface collapses suddenly and causes disruption to infrastructure or property. Questions will be asked, usually 'what caused it?', 'how do we fix it?', and 'is it going to happen again?'

The aim of this class is to prepare attendees for that 'first responder' role. Diagnosing unstable and collapsing ground requires knowledge of the underlying geological and hydrogeological conditions, the history of mineral extraction and other anthropogenic underground activity, an appreciation of previous land development activities, and an understanding of the cause-and-effect linkage with utilities / services, particularly in urban areas.

All levels of geoscientist in the public and private sector who may be called as professional advisors following a ground collapse. Technical content will be at a level appropriate for CPD credits to Chartered Fellows.

Build a background appreciation of what causes a collapse of the ground surface.
Understand the mechanics of void migration to the surface and the relationship between underground void space and overburden.
How to be a 'first-responder' geoscientist and minimise risk to life and property following a ground collapse.
Choosing appropriate geotechnical and geophysical tools to delineate unstable ground.
Explore methods of temporary and permanent ground stabilisation.
Identifying ground collapse before it occurs and choosing remedial strategies.

This course will be held virtually over two half-days on 1 and 8 October 2026, starting at 13:00 BST and ending at approximately 17:00 BST.

Attendees will have access to the course recordings for a month after the course has taken place.

David Wilshaw, CGeol

Geotechnical Senior Principal at ECS Limited

David Wilshaw BSc (Hons) MSc (Eng), PG, CGeol, FGS is a Chartered Geologist and a Professional Geologist licensed in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. David has 39 years' post-graduate experience in engineering geology, geotechnics, geophysics, and geo-environmental assessments gained throughout the UK, Europe, the USA and the Caribbean.

Dr Anthony Cooper

Independent Consultant Geologist

Anthony is a Chartered Geologist with decades of specialist experience in evaporite karst and sinkhole hazards. His work centres on understanding and investigating sinkholes in gypsum, anhydrite and salt terrains, using techniques such as remote sensing, GIS, geomorphology, LiDAR, geophysics, hydrogeology and borehole analysis. He has contributed to major projects across the UK and internationally, helping planners, engineers and developers mitigate geological risks in soluble‑rock landscapes. Anthony continues to collaborate on research into evaporite karst geohazards and remains available for consultancy aligned with his expertise.

Standard fees

Early-bird bookings (until 1 August 2026) receive a 10% discount on the below prices

Fellow £275

Non-Fellow £550

Student Member £75

Student Non-Member £150

GSA Member £330

Partner £465

Corporate Patron discounts

We offer discounted rates for employee of companies that are part of our Corporate Patron programme, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk for more information.

The Geological Society of America (GSA) members discount

We offer a generous 40% discount off our Non-Fellow rate to members of the Geological Society of America (GSA). A discount code must be quoted on the registration form in order to take advantage of the discount. If you are a member of GSA and do not have the discount code, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk with proof of your membership.

Group discounts

We offer competitive group discounts on all Training Courses:
5 – 9 delegates: 20% off
10 – 14 delegates: 25% off
15 delegates or more: 30% off

For more information on how to access the Group Discount, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Concessions

We offer students a generous discount. Please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or uploading a photograph of your student identification/acceptance letter.

The Society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Contact training@geolsoc.org.uk (Please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this.)

If you require an invoice to register for this course, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place.

GSL reserves the right to postpone or cancel a training course in the event of low interest. In this instance, a full refund will be offered for registration fees.