Scientists Discovered A Sinkhole 630 Feet Underground In China Known As “Heavenly Pits”
In a remarkable discovery, scientists have found a vast, ancient forest hidden 630 feet inside a massive sinkhole within China’s Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark. This UNESCO-recognized area in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is renowned for its spectacular karst landscapes.
The geopark features extensive cave systems and the world’s longest natural bridge. Its geology is characterized by thick carbonate rocks, which have led to the formation of numerous karst features like towering peak clusters, springs, and massive cave chambers through erosion.
The sinkhole itself was discovered in May 2022. It measures over 1,000 feet in length, 490 feet in width, and descends 630 feet deep, making it the 30th such tiankeng—a Chinese term for a giant sinkhole—found in this region.
Inside the cavern, researchers encountered a primeval ecosystem with towering trees reaching over 130 feet high. The expedition leader noted the potential for discovering plant species previously unknown to science within this secluded environment.
The formation of such sinkholes is a natural process in karst terrain. Slightly acidic rainwater, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the soil, slowly dissolves the bedrock over time, creating vast underground cavities.
When the ceiling of these cavities collapses, a sinkhole is formed. Southern China’s extensive karst landscape makes it a hotspot for these dramatic geological features, including the world’s largest sinkhole, Xiaozhai Tiankeng.
This incredible find highlights the hidden wonders within the Earth’s karst systems. The secluded forest offers a unique opportunity for scientific study and underscores the area’s global geological significance.
