Yongle Blue Hole

A carbon cache which is over 8,000 years old was found inside the Yongle Blue Hole- the world’s deepest blue hole.

1) What is a blue hole?

A blue hole is a marine cavern formed by the dissolution of rocks rich in carbonates. They are different from other aquatic caverns in that they are cut off from the ocean and do not receive freshwater from rains. They are anoxic in nature.

  2) Where is the Yongle Blue Hole?

The Yongle Blue Hole is located in South China Sea. It is 300m deep blue hole located in Xisha Islands region. It is the deepest blue hole in the world. The second deepest blue hole is Dean’s Blue Hole in Bahamas.

3) What is the difference between a blue hole and a cenote?

A cenote is an inland void formed by collapse of limestone rocks and exposes ground water. A blue hole is a marine void filled with seawater. A cenote can support several aquatic life forms while a blue hole is generally an anaerobic environment incapable of supporting much life.