Well of Barhout
The Well of Barhout is a sinkhole in Al-Mahara, Yemen. It has a circular entrance that measures about wide at the surface, and it is deep.
Physical features
The opening at the top of the Well of Barhout measures across, while the bottom of the sinkhole widens to. The sinkhole is deep and passes through two layers of rock. The top layer is around in thickness. The top layer is porous and permeable and thus allows water to filter down to the second layer which is less permeable, where it flows into the sinkhole, creating four waterfalls each measuring in height.Exploration
It was first explored by the Oman Cave Exploration Team, who reached the bottom on 15 September 2021. Footage provided to Agence [France-Presse ] showed cave formations such as stalagmites and grey and lime-green cave pearls, formed by dripping water. The speleologists reported observing snakes, beetles, lizards, toads and birds as well as dead, decomposing birds and animals, and waterfalls in the cave.Amateur cave explorers had entered the sinkhole before, but it is not known if anyone had descended to its floor. Reduced oxygen levels were reported. Samples of rock, soil, water, and dead birds were collected from the cave for further analysis. A full report of the team's findings will be made available to the public.