A Rare “Blue Hole” Discovered in Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi said a rare “blue hole” has been discovered in the Arabian Gulf in lies just off Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi.

The rare ‘blue hole’ is about 12 metres deep, 200 metres wide and has an area of about 45,000 square metres it’s known as a underwater sinkhole.

.@EADTweets is monitoring the presence of a rare ‘blue hole’ found in the waters of Al Dhafra region. The natural phenomenon reflects the rich biodiversity of #AbuDhabi’s marine ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/hisiTrKlY1

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) October 9, 2021

This unique habitat holds at least 10 types of coral species, forming a reef at the edges of the hole. The blue hole is also home to many fish communities and provides shelter for a variety of fish such as Grouper, Sweetlips, Emperor Fish and Jackfish. 

Experts will conduct an environmental assessment survey of the unique ecosystem to learn more about its geological composition. This will involve mapping the area and analysing seawater. The agency will also conduct scientific and topographic surveys.

Blue holes are deep marine depressions within a shallow surrounding area. Al Dhafra blue hole covers 45,000 square metres, is 12 metres deep, has a seabed area of 5,000 square metres, and is home to at least 10 types of coral species, as well as several species of fish.

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) October 9, 2021

“These unique structures attract divers from all over the world and are home to fringing reefs and diverse fish species, and at their depths, they host diverse microbial communities,” said the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

The deepest blue hole, The Yongle, lies in the South China sea and reaches300 meters. Other internationally famous blue holes include the Great Blue Hole in Belize, Gozo’s Blue Hole in Malta, the Blue Hole at Dabahb in Egypt and Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here