THE GREAT
BLUE HOLE

What are Blue Holes?

A blue hole is a large hole in the earth that occurs in the ocean or is connected to a body of water. Most blue holes develop over time as the walls of caves erode and collapse. Many of the blue holes around the world formed during the last Ice Age as water levels rose and filled the sinkholes. Blue holes get their names for obvious reasons—the water inside the sinkhole is a deep blue color—a striking contrast to the light blue color of the surrounding water. However, not all blue holes are in the ocean. There are sinkholes around the world that are landlocked, but have underwater passages and tunnels to the ocean. Since blue holes are so fascinating, divers often flock to these sinkholes around the world to get the chance to explore their depths. Unfortunately, blue holes are not always safe, and many divers have lost their lives seeking the thrill of the dive.

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize is perhaps one of the most famous blue holes for many reasons. Measuring 984 feet across and 410 feet deep, this blue hole is the largest found on Earth and also one of the most dangerous. It is believed that 130 divers have lost their lives in the hole over the past 15 years. Recently, scientists have been able to send submarines down to the bottom of the hole to discover the depths of the hole covered in complete and utter darkness. While there is no life at the bottom of the hole, scientists did find stalactites, a formation of minerals that resemble an icicle, near the bottom of the hole, including the shells of crustaceans that were unlucky and fell in. What was one thing scientists weren’t expecting to find? Little to no trash! Besides a few small pieces, the Great Blue Hole was almost completely free of trash.