Louisiana 25-acre sinkhole brings mini-earthquakes, explosion fears.

Scientists are now saying they will need to monitor for decades an enormous -- and growing -- Louisiana sinkhole that has already forced hundreds to evacuate, contaminated an aquifer and has been registering increased seismic activity, including mini-earthquakes.

What is known as the Bayou Corne sinkhole in southern Louisiana is now reportedly 25 or so acres in size and 350 feet deep, having opened in August 2012 when the wall of a subterranean salt mine collapsed and the ground above it was seemingly swallowed by the earth. It has since filled with water.

"While it was a manmade action that started this, it’s geology and natural forces that are making everything happen," Patrick Courreges, a policy analyst for the Louisiana Dept. of Natural Resources, told TheVerge.com. "And geology happens slow."

When it occurred, Assumption Parish reportedly ordered the 300-or-so nearby residents to evacuate their homes. Hundreds have done so, although more than a few have remained behind, regardless of the danger.

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