What lies beneath the depths of the “blue hole”? A marine biologist set out to explore a particularly intriguing natural phenomenon located within the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia.
The blue hole was first noticed using satellite imagery, even though it appeared to be located farther offshore than the areas usually reached during marine research expeditions on the reef.
“What we found there was unbelievable, especially considering that a Category 4 cyclone had passed through the area just five months earlier,” the researcher said.
Together with several other scientists, he traveled to the site and documented what was hidden deep inside the secret blue lagoon, producing images that are nothing short of breathtaking.
According to the researcher, he and his team believe they are the first to document this blue hole, and they have chosen not to reveal its exact location to the public.
The walls of the lagoon act as a natural protective barrier for the corals inside. “At depths of 15 to 20 meters, we saw two types of corals, both among the largest and most delicate we have ever encountered,” he explained.
He added that while the depths do not compare to those of the famous Great Blue Hole in Belize, the site is still unique, strikingly beautiful, and highly valuable for marine research.
Since the discovery, the team has identified two additional blue holes located about 200 kilometers from the coastline, and they are currently working on the logistics required to explore those sites as well.