Scientists Discovered a Huge River Under Black Sea

Sure, let's play a guessing game! Can you name the sixth largest river on Earth in terms of volume? Most people would list the Amazon River, Congo River, and Ganges River as the largest ones, but the sixth largest river is actually not on the surface. It's an underwater river located beneath the waves of the Black Sea. In 2010, scientists discovered this river while studying the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey using sonar scanning. They found a channel at the bottom of the Black Sea with water flowing through it. This underwater river has rapids, waterfalls, and a volume 350 times greater than that of the River Thames in London. If it were on the surface, it would easily be in the top ten largest rivers.

The formation of this underwater river is due to the unique features of the Black Sea. It receives water from freshwater rivers such as the Danube, Dnieper, and Don, while on the other side, it is connected to the saltwater Mediterranean Sea. The freshwater is lighter than saltwater, creating stratification where the two types of water don't mix. The saltwater sinks to the bottom due to its higher density, forming the bottom layer of the Black Sea. The upper layer, rich in oxygen, can support life, while the bottom layer is anoxic, meaning it lacks oxygen. This anoxic environment allows shipwrecks to survive for centuries as oxygen doesn't decompose the wood.

In 2018, scientists discovered the oldest Greek shipwreck on Earth in the Black Sea, estimated to be 2400 years old. The well-preserved wreck provides valuable insights into ancient ship construction. The Black Sea is much deeper than it may appear on a map, with its deepest point reaching around 7257 feet, which is deeper than the height of six Empire State Buildings stacked together.

Underwater rivers and shipwrecks are not limited to the Black Sea. Off the coast of South America, there is a large channel running along the ocean floor, extending from the mouth of the Amazon River into the Atlantic Ocean. However, studying underwater rivers is challenging due to the depth and strong currents, making it difficult for divers to explore. Underwater research equipment needs to be sturdy to withstand the currents.

Apart from underwater rivers, there are other fascinating features like cenotes, which are underground caves often associated with the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Cenotes were considered sacred wells by the ancient Maya and served as water sources. Some cenotes can also be found in Cuba and Australia. One of the most beautiful cenotes is Cenote Angelita, located south of Tulum in Mexico. It features an underwater river illusion created by a thick layer of hydrogen sulfates, producing fog that moves independently from the surrounding water.

Another interesting example is the Mystery River in Indiana, which is the longest underground river in the United States. Explorers discovered the river and its cave system, Blue Spring caverns, in the 19th century. Despite being invisible, nearly three miles of the river are navigable, and boat tours are available for visitors.

Lastly, there's the Saraswati River in India, which was believed to be just a myth mentioned in ancient literature. However, satellite images revealed the presence of underground water, indicating that the Saraswati River existed some 5,000 years ago. It now flows underground, about 200 feet below the surface. Similar cases of rivers going underground have occurred due to human activity, such as in London and New York, where several rivers now flow beneath the ground.

These fascinating underwater rivers and hidden waterways remind us of the hidden wonders beneath the Earth's surface, waiting to be discovered and explored.