Geological update of mysterious hole in Gray Court, SC
- Charles Reams 1
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 17
A geological assessment of so-called "sinkholes" in Gray Court, SC, found that the ground collapses are not true sinkholes but are caused by weathered granite.
That’s according to lead geologist Robby Morrow, who conducted the investigation.
A geological survey in August 2025 revealed that these collapses are primarily driven by water erosion and exacerbated by human activity.
In early August 2025, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey investigated a Gray Court resident's property where several ground collapses, including a 40-foot-long crevice, had appeared. Their assessment concluded:
Weathered granite: The collapses are caused by water eroding the underlying granite bedrock. Unlike true sinkholes, which require the presence of limestone, the Piedmont region where Gray Court is located is underlain by granite.
Water erosion: Robby Morrow, a Senior Piedmont Geologist, explained that water is the primary cause of the weathering. Groundwater flows more freely through the soil after a loss of stabilization.
Human impact: The removal of a pine forest to build houses in the area contributed to the destabilization of the soil.
No fault lines: Geologists confirmed there are no fault lines in the immediate area to account for the ground movement.
Radar scans: Ground-penetrating radar was used to get a better understanding of the subsurface issues, and the images are currently being analyzed.
Ongoing issues for residents
Residents of Gray Court and neighboring Laurens have been dealing with the mysterious and recurrent collapses for some time.
One homeowner, Jeremy Welsh, has been struggling with yard collapses since 2023, after his neighbor experienced a similar issue.
Some collapses have been filled, only to have the ground open up again nearby.
The proximity of these collapses to an active railway line is a concern for residents.
Welsh has been in contact with the South Carolina Geological Survey and is open to suggestions on how to address the ongoing problem.
