Although massive ground problems can occur, like for instance, earthquakes or mudslides or natural erosion or mining related problems, these problems ar largely known about in the local area and therefore any checks that need to be carried out are carried out.
The photograph is of a crater that was formed by the collapse of a large underground cavity of gypsum deposits in the city of Ripon, North Yorkshire, UK.
The problems that this post is relating too, are the ones that are not commonly known about or are local to one or two individual properties.
All the problems are related to WATER, whether this be too much of it or a lack of it.
The ground is naturally wet, well more damp. by the the quanity of water contained in it. The problems can occur when the natural water content of your soil is changed.
This change can happen for a number of reasons:
1) A cracked and partially blocked drain caused by tree roots.
2) A leaking water main (see photograph - water mmain had been leaking for years undetected. The water had washed away the soil and undermined the road).
3) Leaking drainage
4) Partially blocked drain due to washed in sediments from nearby land or contraction processes.
5) Planting of high water absorbing/useage shrubs or trees.
6) Removal of existing tree 
All of the above are examples that I have seen. They all have the potential to alter the natural water content of the surrounding soil.
Whether any of the above will cause a problem depends on the ground conditions around your home.
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