Earth fissures have formed in deep basins throughout central and southern Arizona as a result of excessive groundwater withdrawal. Beginning in the 1930's decades of overpumping to support  agricultural have caused groundwater level declines of more than 500 ft and associated ground subsidence up to 20 ft in some basins, causing widespread fissure formation to began in the 1960's.

Arizona has the dubious honor of having more earth fissures than any other state in the nation. The Arizona Geological Survey has mapped and monitors over 185 miles of earth fissures in 27 study areas throughout the state. The sudden appearance of an earth fissure often occurs following intense rains where surface flow is intercepted by a fissure, resulting in rapid erosion and collapse.

Hazards of earth fissures include damage to homes, infrastructure, property, transmission of surface contaminants deep underground, and redirection of floodwaters. Land subsidence and earth fissures are clear symptoms of our overuse of groundwater reserves yet we seem to be unwilling to learn from our mistakes.