the blue hole

Image credit

The Blue Hole, believed to be the largest underwater sinkhole in the world is a feature attraction of diving in Belize. Formed by the collapse of a series of caves and caverns, it is more than 1,000 (305 m) feet across and 400 feet (123 m) wide.

Long ago, during the Pleistocene era and the Earth’s last ice age, the Blue Hole was actually above sea level. During this period, rainwater that seeped through the porous limestone formed huge stalactites and the mineral deposits grew to the massive proportions. In the course of time, ice melted, and the structure was filled with seawater.

The islands off the coast of Belize offer some of the most spectacular views. When viewed from above, the Blue Hole seems almost too precise to be believed. In the middle of the Lighthouse Reef system, the almost perfectly circular formation looks man-made. No doubt this hole is the mainstay on divers’ wish lists.

Scroll down for more pictures of the Blue hole.

the blue hole2

Image credit

the blue hole5

Image credit

the blue hole6

Image credit

the blue hole3

Image credit

Source: Neatorama