Baffled scientists find giant hole at the bottom of the ocean – and it’s leaking

Scientists have discovered a hole at the bottom of the ocean, and they say it is leaking.

The hole is bizarrely leaking water into the ocean, rather than out, according to experts at the University of Washington.

It is located off the coast of Oregon, US on top of the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault.

READ MORE: Creepy pile of thick translucent worms sniffed out by dogs on beach walk

A press release from the institution said the fact that the seabed hole is leaking may not be a great omen for earthquake activity in the region.

The hole has been named "Pythias' Oasis" after an oracle who hallucinated prophecies while sitting on a hot spring, as reports the publication Futurism.

It has fascinated scientists since it was initially discovered back in 2015, but new research suggests that the water leaking out of the hole may be something else.

Experts believe it may actually be some sort of tectonic lubricant which the plates need to prevent shifting.

While on a research trip, scientists discovered “unexpected plumed of bubbles about three-quarters of a mile beneath the ocean’s surface.”

Using a seafloor-exploring robot, the crew learned that the bubbles "were just a minor component of warm, chemically distinct fluid gushing from the seafloor sediment."

  • Beach flooded by thousands of venomous blue creatures and they aren’t jellyfish

Evan Solomon, a University of Washington professor of oceanography and seafloor geology said: “They explored in that direction and what they saw was not just methane bubbles, but water coming out of the seafloor like a firehose.

"That’s something that I’ve never seen, and to my knowledge has not been observed before."

Previous research into the hole found that the water leaking out of the area is warmer than the ocean water.

It is believed to be the first seafloor leak of its kind but experts believe that others may exist without detection.

Keep up to date with all the latest news stories. By signing up for one of Daily Star's free newsletters here.

READ NEXT:

  • Exact time every UK smartphone will buzz in eerie 10 second emergency alert test
  • Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer will be 'eaten alive' in jail for murder, warns ex-gangster
  • 'Biggest-ever' child sex abuse ring sees 7 women among 21 paedos jailed for 145 years
  • Prince Harry and Meghan ruled out of coronation balcony as 'only working royals allowed'

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Can YOU spot the difference? Some of these eggs are made of chocolate
Next post TOWIEs Amy Childs marks one whole week of loving twins with adorable new photo