Sheboygan, Wisconsin – Beneath the depths of Lake Michigan lies a mysterious phenomenon that has puzzled experts and researchers alike. Dozens of large sinkholes, measuring around 600 feet wide, were recently discovered 500 feet below the surface of the Great Lake. The discovery was made by the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary back in 2022 using sonar technology.
A recent remote expedition sent to the area located 14 miles southeast of Sheboygan aimed to further investigate the strange sinkhole-like formations. The anomaly has sparked curiosity among scientists and marine experts, leaving them questioning how these sinkholes formed and why they are specifically located in the lake’s bedrock. Kevin Cullen, the Director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, expressed his bewilderment at the discovery, highlighting the geological mystery that surrounds the underwater structures.
One prevailing theory presented by Cullen suggests a potential connection to the ancient glaciers that once carved the underwater gorges in Lake Michigan centuries ago. However, local shipwreck hunter Brendon Baillod has reservations about labeling the phenomena as sinkholes, proposing the term “craters” instead. Baillod speculates that the formations may be the result of trapped gas or water upwelling towards the lake’s surface.
Despite the preliminary theories put forth by experts, further research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the origin and nature of the sinkholes in Lake Michigan. The Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary remains at the forefront of the investigation, aiming to shed light on the mysterious underwater structures that have captured the interest of the scientific community. Similar sinkholes have been detected in the neighboring Lake Huron, suggesting a potential geological connection between the two Great Lakes.
As scientists continue to unravel the mystery surrounding the sinkholes, Cullen embraces the opportunity for further exploration and discovery in this lesser-understood region. The allure of scientific inquiry and the prospect of uncovering new insights from the depths of Lake Michigan serve as a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie beneath the surface of one of North America’s Great Lakes.