Surely you've ever heard of blue holes But do you know what they really are? These are almost circular underwater caves with vertical walls that receive that name due to the marked contrast between the light blue of the shallow waters around and the dark tone of the deep waters. It is important to note that from a certain depth, the water in blue holes is unfavorable for most marine life, although it may be inhabited by a wide variety of bacteria. They formed during the past ice ages, when the sea level was between 100 and 150 meters lower than today.
Why are we talking about blue holes? Well, because a few weeks ago Chinese scientists have concluded that a hole known as the Dragon's Pit, which is located in the waters of the South China Sea, is the largest in the world, reaching 300 meters deep.
Amazing dimensions
As we have just mentioned, the depth of this blue hole is astonishing, reaching 300 meters deep. Of course, this is not the only measure that surprises, since according to Chinese researchers, it extends 129 meters wide, that is, a distance greater than two fields of football. Unfortunately, in the image you can see at the beginning you cannot appreciate the impressive dimensions of this blue hole.
The Dragon Pit Sansha Yongle
Although some media have spoken of a new find, the truth is that it is not an unknown place for local fishermen, who attribute numerous myths to it. In fact, according to mythology, in this underwater cave, which until now was known as the Dragon's Pit, the monkey king Sun Wukong got his golden rod. Now, the Chinese authorities have decided to rename it as the Dragon Pit Sansha Yongle, since it is located near the city of Sansha, in the islands of Xisha.
Data to be confirmed
Although there are many who assure that this is the largest cave in the world, the truth is that members of the China Oceanography University have explained that its exact depth has yet to be adjusted, taking into account factors such as temperature, levels of the tide, density and salinity of the water. Of course, it is important to note that scientists have been studying the characteristics of the sinkhole for a year, using an underwater robot. Those in charge of the study have been scientists from the Sansha Coral Protection Research Institute, who have found more than 20 species of fish at the top of the hole, although, as we mentioned before, life is unlikely below of the 100 meters, since the waters at this depth are anoxic. If these data are confirmed, the cave would remove the position to the Dean's Blue Hole, located in the Bahamas. According to scientists, this cave reaches 202 meters deep. You can see a picture of this blue hole below.
A highly contested sea
On the other hand, we want to comment that the South China Sea is disputed by several countries, among which are Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, the Philippines and Brunei. In fact, it is one of the most militarized areas on the planet. This is due to its wealth of natural resources and the numerous shipping routes. Finally, we want to comment that the Sansha city government has established measures to protect and study this blue hole.
Related article:
- The Great Blue Hole of Belize
Exploring THE BIGGEST BLUE HOLE In The World! (April 2024)
- nature
- 1,230
