Massive Craters Found in Lake Michigan
Scientists have recently confirmed that 40 enormous craters reside at the bottom of Lake Michigan. This discovery clarifies observations made two years ago when sonar images unveiled peculiar circles at the lakebed of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Initially suspected as depressions, researchers could not conclusively identify these shapes. This is prepared by SSP.
Russ Green, a maritime archaeologist directly involved in the 2022 mapping expedition, observed these circles which appeared natural, rather than man-made. Around the same period, local shipwreck hunter Brendon Baillod also noticed the mysterious formations, estimating the craters to be between 20 and 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) deep.
To investigate further, Green and Baillod coordinated with scientists from NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). Using a remotely operated vehicle, these research teams conducted a closer survey on August 21 and confirmed the shapes as vast, naturally occurring craters. Steve Ruberg from GLERL disclosed that about 40 craters have been identified, with possibilities of more undiscovered.
Similar depressions previously observed in Lake Huron turned out to be sinkholes, forming when groundwater dissolves underlying bedrock, leading to a surface collapse. Lake Michigan, partially sitting on dissolvable limestone, may share this geological activity. However, Ruberg introduced that the craters might stem more from water upwelling or trapped hydrocarbon off-gassing.
Despite current reconnaissance showing no water escaping from these holes — a key indicator of subterranean water circuits — Ruberg anticipates future detections of groundwater circulation. Images captured also showed aquatic life like freshwater shrimp and invasive quagga mussels residing in these craters.
While the full impact of these craters on Lake Michigan's ecosystem remains uncertain, the research community is determined to unravel their origin and role in the environment. "We'll be exploring them for years to come to learn more and understand what part they play in the lake's ecosystem," stated Green.