The world's second-deepest blue hole, where a dinosaur-killing asteroid landed, has been discovered
By Srikanto Mandal
24 April, 2023
The world's second-deepest blue hole has been discovered off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
The world's second-deepest blue hole has been discovered off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
It is around 900 feet deep and spans an area of 147,000 square feet.
It is around 900 feet deep and spans an area of 147,000 square feet.
The giant crater was formed by an asteroid that caused the Cretaceous-tertiary Extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
The giant crater was formed by an asteroid that caused the Cretaceous-tertiary Extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
It was named Taam Ja’, which means "deep water" in the Mayan language.
It was named Taam Ja’, which means "deep water" in the Mayan language.
Blue holes usually contain a high diversity of marine life, including sharks, corals and sea turtles.
Blue holes usually contain a high diversity of marine life, including sharks, corals and sea turtles.
The researchers are now keen to study and analyse the microbial diversity of the waters.
The researchers are now keen to study and analyse the microbial diversity of the waters.
Blue holes are unique underwater formations that develop in carbonate bedrock and are characterized by their steep-sided, deep walls.
Blue holes are unique underwater formations that develop in carbonate bedrock and are characterized by their steep-sided, deep walls.
The Chetumal blue hole is just one of several blue holes found in the Yucatan Peninsula, including the famous Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef Atoll in Belize.
The Chetumal blue hole is just one of several blue holes found in the Yucatan Peninsula, including the famous Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef Atoll in Belize.
Studying the microbial diversity of the waters in and around blue holes can help researchers better understand the complex and delicate marine ecosystems that exist in these environments.
Studying the microbial diversity of the waters in and around blue holes can help researchers better understand the complex and delicate marine ecosystems that exist in these environments.