Marcy MinianoWhen we think of “sinkholes”, the first thing that comes to mind is either the water-filled ones (e.g., the cenotes in Mexico)… or those large gaping holes in cities that appear in disaster movies. But how about a forest sinkhole?
On 6 May 2022, a team of speleologists (aka cave experts) and cave explorers discovered an ancient forest inside a sinkhole in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. They abseiled and then trekked for several hours to reach the base, which measures 630ft deep.
What scientists know so far about this ancient forest sinkhole
Image credit: NineDragons2
Chen Lixin, leader of the expedition group, said that the sinkhole is home to primitive trees, some of which are as tall as 131ft! There is also dense undergrowth that came up to his shoulders. “I wouldn’t be surprised to know that there are species found in these caves that have never been reported or described by science until now,” he told reporters.
Fortunately, their team brought a drone that allowed them to document these lush underground surroundings. They were also able to return back up safely during the evening on the same day.
Image credit: NineDragons2
The forest-filled sinkhole has three huge caves within its walls. According to Zhang Yuanhai, a senior engineer in the Institute of Karst Geology of China Geological Survey, these could be the remains of its early evolution.
This giant sinkhole is located near Ping’e village, under Luoxi township in Leye County. Its discovery brings the county’s total number of karst sinkholes to 30.
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Such natural formations — locally called tiankeng (heavenly pits) — are actually common in the southern parts of China.
Image credit: wonry via Canva Pro
In fact, this isn’t even the largest forest sinkhole that has already been discovered! Up to this day, that title belongs to Xiaozhai Tiankeng, which you’ll find in Fengjie Tiankeng Difeng National Park.
Featured image courtesy of Guangxi speleology research team 702.
