What Are Blue Holes
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
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A "blue hole" is a large, deep marine cavern or sinkhole that opens to the surface of the ocean
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They are typically formed in carbonate bedrock like limestone or coral reefs
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They often appear as a dark blue colour due to its depth, creating a distinct visual contrast against the surrounding water
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Essentially, these are underwater sinkholes with vertical walls that can contain diverse marine life within their depths
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They form when water seeps through cracks in the limestone, dissolving the rock over time and creating cavities that eventually collapse, forming a sinkhole
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They vary in size, shape and depth, but most are ecological hot spots with a high diversity of marine life
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The most well-known blue hole is the "Great Blue Hole" located near Belize in the Caribbean
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It's a giant marine sinkhole that's part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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