Random "sinkholes" (not chunk error)

[kempkemp]

Title: Random sinkholes (not chunk error)

Version: 3.1.3

OS: OS X 10.8.2 (Mountain Lion)

Java Version: Java 6 Update 35

Description of Problem:

I run a server for me and one or two friends and ever since we started random holes have began appearing in the ground. It dont occur very often but are always square or rectangular up to about 32x32 and at least 7 or 8 blocks deep. These are not chunk errors but actual perfect holes in the ground with grass trees mobs etc. at the bottom as if the terrain has just sunk. The most recent hole took out a big chunk of machinery so would be great if anyone could help out before we lose anything important. If its worth noting, the holes do not appear while the server is running but when it starts up.

Cheers!

Error Messages:

n/a

Error Log:

n/a

[SXScarecrow]

Are you sure the server log doesn't say anything specific? If it only happens when the server starts, it means the server is interacting with the world when it shouldn't be, or its reading the level.dat file wrongly, and therefore loading the world incorrectly. There's a generally a reason why it does so, and if there is a reason it appears on the log, and if it appears on the log its fixable!