Scientists flock to the Florida Gulf coast to see a mysterious 425-foot “blue hole” at the bottom of the ocean.
The glowing mysterious hole, about 155 feet below the water’s surface, is similar to sinks seen on dry land, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The site, called “Green Banana”, has been a hot topic for scientists and explorers from the deep sea who have hoped to glimpse the phenomenon from afar.
Surprisingly, the first reports of blue holes came from fishermen and recreational divers, not scientists or researchers. In general, the holes appear to harbor diverse biological communities full of marine life, including corals, sponges, mollusks, sea turtles, and sharks.
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NOAA scientists have already collected 17 water samples from the area surrounding the hole along with four sediment samples.
PHOTO: Scientists flock to the Florida coast to explore a mysterious “blue hole” at the bottom of the ocean. (Mote Marine Laboratory via NOAA)
Surprisingly, they also discovered two small but intact sawfish, an endangered species, at the bottom of the hole, according to NOAA. The remains of one of the animals were recovered for examination.
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NOAA scientists plan to embark on a new mission to a second deeper area of the hole in August. That mission will consist of a team of scientists from the Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Atlantic University, the Georgia Institute of Technology and the U.S. Geological Society, according to NOAA.
Researchers are interested in studying the chemistry of seawater in holes for their unique qualities.
PHOTO: Divers found two deceased small-tooth sawfish, an endangered species, at the bottom of Amberjack Hole. (Mote Marine Laboratory via NOAA)
“Little is known about blue holes due to their lack of accessibility and unknown distribution and abundance,” NOAA said in a statement. “The opening of a blue hole can be several hundred feet underwater, and for many holes, the opening is too small for an automated submersible.”
The researchers don’t know much about blue holes, but scientists hope to know if the holes are connected to Florida’s groundwater or if there is intrusion of groundwater into the Gulf of Mexico.
They are also looking to see if a particular blue hole secretes nutrients or harbors microenvironments or new species of microbes.
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