Scientists to explore blue holes and 'Green Banana' in Gulf of Mexico

[Judi Lynn]

By: Haley Bull Posted at 11:48 PM, Jul 24, 2020 and last updated 10:48 PM, Jul 24, 2020

Scientists are working to learn more about underwater sinkholes at the bottom of the ocean, called blue holes.

They’re scattered across Florida’s Gulf continental shelf. Scientists describe them as old springs or sinkholes, likely formed 8,000 to 12,000 years ago. They’re planning to go on an exploratory trip to discover more about them.

“This is the first time these holes are really getting characterized to this extent so that’s fun it was always a dream to be a scientist,” said Emily Hall, Ph.D., a staff chemist and program manager at Mote Marine Laboratory.

Last year, scientists with Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch, Georgia Tech and the US Geological Society -- with support from the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Researched -- explored one located about 30 miles offshore of Sarasota., according to NOAA. It’s called “Amberjack Hole.”

More:
https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/scientists-to-explore-blue-holes-and-green-banana-in-gulf-of-mexico

[Judi Lynn]

1. Mission to explore mysterious 'Blue Hole' that sinks hundreds of feet below seabed off Florida coast

Mission to explore mysterious ‘Blue Hole’ that sinks hundreds of feet below seabed off Florida coast begins
Charlotte Edwards, Digital Technology and Science Reporter
22 Jul 2020, 12:36 Updated: 22 Jul 2020, 14:57

A MYSTERIOUS 'blue hole' at the bottom of the ocean is about to be explored by scientists.

The aim is to discover what life forms can live inside this dark chasm that plummets to a depth of 425 feet below the seabed.



This is the view from inside a different underwater sinkhole
called the Amberjack Hole
Credit: Mote Marine Laboratory

The blue hole in question is called the 'Green Banana'.

It's located off the coast of Florida on the continental shelf.

The exploration of the Green Banana will be part of a three year project that's focussed on blue holes and their biodiversity.

The NOAA-sponsored project will involve sending divers and monitoring equipment deep inside the hole.



This is the layout of the 'Green Banana' hole Credit: Underwater Speleology



More:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/12192379/mission-explore-mysterious-underwater-sinkhole-green-banana/

[Renew Deal]

3. Is that a UFO or a drain plug?

What is the circular disk?

[Judi Lynn]

4. No idea. I was stunned by the thingie myself. Scary! n/t

[cstanleytech]

2. From what I have read most if not all such holes are more likely to only contain bacteria as they

are greatly lacking in oxygen but still its worth exploring them as you never know what might have adapted to such harsh conditions and what the discovery might eventually lead to.