The hidden secrets of a blue hole..

Image of a Blue Hole In The Bahamas

Blue holes are round, underwater caves in the Earth that were formed during the Ice Age when the water rose to 100-120 meters causing the caves to fill. These caves can be found in low-lying coastal regions all over the world, including: The Bahamas, Belize, Australia, Egypt and Guam [a small island in the Pacific.] 

Scientists have actually been able to extract minerals from the 400ft deep Blue Hole in Belize to help uncover the truth behind the extinction of the ancient Mayan Civilization; proving the theory that drought and climate change were behind it.

The Mayan civilization was responsible for building great pyramids, developing the art of astronomy, creating a hieroglyphic writing system and formulating a complex calender system.

Image of Mayan Hieroglyphics

Here's some, 'did you know' trivia about Blue Holes:

#1 - It is uncommon for sea creatures to live in Blue Holes because of the lack of oxygen.

#2 - The deepest blue hole in the world is in Pozzo del Maire, Italy and measures at 392 meters in depth. 

#3 - Many interesting and bizarre things have been found in Blue Holes: the skeletal remains of tribes and carcasses of crocodiles, birds and turtles.

#4 - Where the salt water and fresh water meet is called the 'hallocine.'

#5 - Blue holes have the ability to preserve bones just as well as a museum because of the lack of oxygen!

Want to know more? Here's a phenomenal video documentary about blue holes:

                                                                                        Article written by: Beth Eames

Sources for this article:

http://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/belizes-blue-hole-reveals-clues-mayas-climate-doom-n276296

http://www.incredipedia.info/2009/06/blue-holes-bahamas.html