During a dive near Portugal’s mainland on July 23, 2022, sea explorers found many perfectly aligned holes on the ocean floor which resembles a track of lines at a depth of 1.6 miles. Then, less than a week later, four more sightings of similar holes on the ocean floor were reported. Each hole was roughly a mile deep. The four sightings were recorded to be located 300 miles away from the previous place at the Azores Plateau, a place where three tectonic plates meet.
These strange glimpses were seen before. Around two decades ago, scientists observed parallel holes during an exploration of the ocean floor. The scientists decided to let time take care of this problem. The researchers believed that if they gave nature enough time, the answer will eventually be brought into the light. Then, they just sat out on the question until now. That didn’t work.
The scientists that discovered the recent holes were part of a group called the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The exploders on the expedition described the holes: “While they look almost human-made, the little piles of sediment around the holes make them seem like they were excavated by…something.”
After seeing pictures of the holes, many scientists and people who saw the news concluded that Bobbitt worms might have created these tunnels. Bobbitt worms create holes so they can hide in. When fish pass by, they rush up and snap the fish up with its scissor-like jaws. Then, the worm leaves its feeding spot and creates a similar hole nearby.
Other scientists postulated that crabs were behind this. A scientific writing recorded, “A previously unknown crab species which hides in rectangular holes and hunts in linear packs, waiting for prey to fall into their clutches.” The holes are likely to be crustaceans’ safety holes.
Experts staying neutral agreed that both theories are plausible. Adding, they stated: “Many organisms (e.g., sea worms, burrowing crustaceans, and sea cucumbers) move into and through the sediment and disturb it – often in regular patterns – this is called bioturbation (biological disturbance).”
There are many other theories. Some suggested that the formations were because of gas pockets. This might be the answer, but the holes were perfectly aligned. It is extremely rare for gas pockets to be aligned. “Gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide can build up in sediments and carbon dioxide seeps are common,” said a professor. “These all leave pockmarks, but they are not usually as regular as these.”
The way to make holes on the ocean floor is either pushing from up to down or down to up. These holes, as scientists observe, are the latter.
This perfectly aligned formation is stumping many scientists and professors. Vying to solve this question, scientists planned more dives near the sighting places. Will scientists solve this riddle? The expeditions will take place not long in the future. Let’s all hope that there is an outbreak!
Resources: There Are Holes on the Ocean Floor. Scientists Don’t Know Why. – The New York Times.pdf
Mysterious holes discovered on ocean floor puzzle experts (nypost.com)
These strange glimpses were seen before. Around two decades ago, scientists observed parallel holes during an exploration of the ocean floor. The scientists decided to let time take care of this problem. The researchers believed that if they gave nature enough time, the answer will eventually be brought into the light. Then, they just sat out on the question until now. That didn’t work.
The scientists that discovered the recent holes were part of a group called the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The exploders on the expedition described the holes: “While they look almost human-made, the little piles of sediment around the holes make them seem like they were excavated by…something.”
After seeing pictures of the holes, many scientists and people who saw the news concluded that Bobbitt worms might have created these tunnels. Bobbitt worms create holes so they can hide in. When fish pass by, they rush up and snap the fish up with its scissor-like jaws. Then, the worm leaves its feeding spot and creates a similar hole nearby.
Other scientists postulated that crabs were behind this. A scientific writing recorded, “A previously unknown crab species which hides in rectangular holes and hunts in linear packs, waiting for prey to fall into their clutches.” The holes are likely to be crustaceans’ safety holes.
Experts staying neutral agreed that both theories are plausible. Adding, they stated: “Many organisms (e.g., sea worms, burrowing crustaceans, and sea cucumbers) move into and through the sediment and disturb it – often in regular patterns – this is called bioturbation (biological disturbance).”
There are many other theories. Some suggested that the formations were because of gas pockets. This might be the answer, but the holes were perfectly aligned. It is extremely rare for gas pockets to be aligned. “Gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide can build up in sediments and carbon dioxide seeps are common,” said a professor. “These all leave pockmarks, but they are not usually as regular as these.”
The way to make holes on the ocean floor is either pushing from up to down or down to up. These holes, as scientists observe, are the latter.
This perfectly aligned formation is stumping many scientists and professors. Vying to solve this question, scientists planned more dives near the sighting places. Will scientists solve this riddle? The expeditions will take place not long in the future. Let’s all hope that there is an outbreak!
Resources: There Are Holes on the Ocean Floor. Scientists Don’t Know Why. – The New York Times.pdf
Mysterious holes discovered on ocean floor puzzle experts (nypost.com)
