New research reveals extensive depths, caves in Mexico's Taam Ja' Blue Hole

Researchers have confirmed that the Taam Ja' Blue Hole, located off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico's Chetumal Bay, is now recognized as the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.

This recent discovery was outlined in a study published in Frontiers in Marine Science. It surpasses previous records, opening new avenues for marine exploration.

It has been determined that the Taam Ja' Blue Hole descends at least 1,380 feet (420 meters) below sea level, outstripping the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea by 390 feet.

This measurement marks a significant deepening from the initial documentation in 2021, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of geological studies.

During a meticulously planned scuba diving expedition on Dec. 6, 2023, scientists employed a cutting-edge tool, the conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiler, to gauge the environmental conditions of the sinkhole.

"The data revealed different layers of water within the blue hole, including a layer below 1,312 feet where the temperature and salinity conditions resembled those of the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons," the researchers noted in their study. This suggests a possible connection between the Taam Ja' Blue Hole and the ocean through an intricate network of tunnels and caves.

Blue holes are fascinating geological phenomena formed in areas where the bedrock is made of soluble materials like limestone or marble. These water-filled vertical caverns are vital for scientific research due to their unique environments and the potential to house diverse marine life.

The exploration of the blue hole has now provided insights into its vast depth and hinted at a complex and potentially interconnected system of caves and tunnels yet to be fully explored. "Within the depths of Taam Ja' could also lie a biodiversity to be explored," the researchers added, emphasizing the environmental richness of the blue hole.

Despite reaching significant depths with the CTD profiler, the bottom of the Taam Ja' Blue Hole remains elusive. The instrument's operation limit prevented it from reaching the ultimate depths of the sinkhole, sparking plans for future expeditions with more advanced technology.

Source: Newsroom