10 most famous sinkholes in the world
These mysterious voids, appearing from beneath the ocean to cavities on land, raised many questions about their unique characteristics and served as a stark reminder of Earth's ever-changing nature.
SHAH ALAM - Geological phenomena, sinkholes, continue to captivate scientists and the public alike due to their awe-inspiring nature and potential for catastrophic impact, including loss of life.
These mysterious voids, appearing from beneath the ocean to cavities on land, raised many questions about their unique characteristics and served as a stark reminder of Earth's ever-changing nature.
Here are 10 of the most renowned sinkholes in the world, each with its own intriguing story, unique geological origin and significant impact on the surrounding landscape.
Great Blue Hole (Belize)
The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous underwater sinkholes in the world and an iconic exploration site for divers. This marine wonder is located off the coast of Belize, at the centre of Lighthouse Reef Atoll in the Caribbean Sea. It measures approximately 300 metres in diameter and has a depth of 124 metres.
Dean’s Blue Hole (Bahamas)
This natural marvel is the deepest known "blue hole" with a depth exceeding 200 metres. Located on Long Island, its crystal-clear waters attract divers keen to explore its mysterious and breathtaking beauty.
Xiaozhai Heavenly Pit (China)
Located in Fengjie district and also known as Xiaozhai Tiankeng, this sinkhole boasts unique dimensions, with a diameter exceeding 511 metres and an equivalent depth. Surrounded by lush vegetation and steep limestone cliffs, it is regarded as a geological wonder.
Devil’s Sinkhole (US)
This vertical-walled cave sinkhole in the United States (US) is a testament to geological formations in Texas. Located in Edwards County, its unique shape is home to a large colony of "free-tailed" bats and is a major destination for nature enthusiasts.
Mount Gambier (South Australia)
Mount Gambier is famed for its unique combination of volcanic activity and sinkholes. Among its most renowned features are the Blue Lake and the Umpherston Sinkhole, a limestone cave that has been transformed into a "sunken garden" with lush vegetation and intriguing rock formations.
Red Lake (Croatia)
Also known as Crveno Jezero, this natural wonder is situated in the heart of the Dalmatian Hinterland. It is one of the largest sinkholes in the world, named after the reddish cliffs that surround it. It also offers a unique opportunity to explore the interconnected relationship between surface and underground aquifer systems.
Sima Humboldt and Sima Martel (Venezuela)
The twin sinkholes, Sima Humboldt and Sima Martel are located in the remote Chimantá Massif. These sinkholes which are among the deepest in the world, are surrounded by lush rainforests and untouched wilderness.
Giant Glory Hole, Monticello Dam (US)
This man-made sinkhole in Monticello Dam, California showcases engineering ingenuity and natural beauty. The 22-metre diameter spillway sinkhole was constructed to manage excess water in Lake Berryessa, resembling a "giant whirlpool."
Guatemala City Sinkhole (Guatemala)
This geological event in 2010 shocked the world as it dramatically altered the landscape of Guatemala's capital. The sinkhole, measuring 20 metres in diameter and over 30 metres deep, suddenly appeared after prolonged heavy rainfall and a sewage pipe burst, leading to soil erosion.
Sotano de las Golondrinas (Mexico)
The Cave of Swallows, located in the Huasteca Potosina region is a giant sinkhole with vertical walls plunging to a depth of approximately 370 metres. It is named after the large population of swifts and green parrots that inhabit it, and it is a major attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts.
