In 2021, the Taam Ja’ Blue Hole was discovered in Chetumal Bay in the southeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Initially recognized as the second deepest blue hole in the world, with a depth of 274 meters, new explorations have shown that its depth exceeds 420 meters below sea level (mbsl), establishing it as the deepest blue hole known on the planet. The bottom has not yet been found, so it could be even deeper.
Exploring these unique blue holes, large geological formations located in shallow estuarine environments, poses a significant challenge for scientists. Taam Ja’ was mapped using sonar technology, initially revealing a depth of approximately 274 mbsl.
However, these measurements face challenges due to the complexity of the environments where blue holes are located, where water density variations and non-strictly vertical configurations can affect the results.
The initial discovery of Taam Ja’ was considered groundbreaking, but early explorations could not confirm the bottom of the blue hole, leaving its depth and morphological characteristics a mystery to be solved.
However, recent measurements with a CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) profiler have exceeded 420 mbsl, without reaching the bottom, indicating that it could be even deeper than initially thought.
This places it above the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea, which previously held the record with a depth of 301 mbsl.
These findings suggest possible underground connections between Taam Ja’ and other surrounding bodies of water. The hydrographic data obtained showed multiple layers of water within Taam Ja’, with variations in temperature, salinity, and density at different depths.
By comparing these results with the water conditions in the Caribbean and other reef systems and estuaries, researchers believe there could be an interconnected system of tunnels and caves.
The implications of these results are significant, with the potential to shed light on the geomorphology and hydrogeology of the region. It also indicates the need for further research and the use of advanced technologies to explore the depths of TJBH and its connections with other bodies of water. The discovery of such a deep blue hole could have repercussions for the study of biodiversity, geological processes, and water dynamics in the region.
Sources
Alcérreca-Huerta JC, Reyes-Mendoza OF, Sánchez-Sánchez JA, Álvarez-Legorreta T, and Carrillo L (2024) Recent records of thermohaline profiles and water depth in the Taam ja’ Blue Hole (Chetumal Bay, Mexico). Front. Mar. Sci. 11:1387235. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1387235
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