Scientists Confirm Existence of 40 Huge Craters at the Bottom of Lake Michigan
The Great Lake Craters
Researchers have recently confirmed the existence of sizable craters at the bottom of Lake Michigan, further deepening the mystery of these unexplained underwater formations. An area famous for its vast collection of 36 known shipwrecks, the lake’s deep bed reveals findings that have aroused the curiosity of researchers globally.
Experts studying the lakebed of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary initially spotted the bemusing circles during a mapping mission back in 2022, leaving them puzzled for the two following years. New comprehensive observations of the lake have since confirmed that these circles are indeed craters with further secrets to unravel. These remarkable findings serve as a reminder of the mysteries that lie beneath the seemingly familiar surfaces of our planet.
The Investigation
The peculiar formations were noticed by Russ Green, a maritime archaeologist and superintendent of the sanctuary, and his colleagues as they embarked on surveying the lakebed. The circles, deemed to be natural rather than man-made, suggested depressions in the bed, but required more research for a definitive conclusion.
However, it was not until local shipwreck hunter Brendon Baillod discovered the same enigmas during his own search for a sunken freighter that their actual depth was recognized. Baillod expressed that the craters measured between 20 and 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) deep. “There were dozens of them in our search grid,” he confirmed. “Most were 500 to 1,000 feet [150 to 300 m] in diameter and of irregular shapes.”
A joint effort between the original surveyors and scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) led to the launch of a comprehensive survey in 2024. Their method, using a remotely operated vehicle, confirmed that the obscure circles are large, naturally-occurring craters.
Nature Does It Again
The evident group of approximately 40 craters is likely to grow, as there may be more yet to be discovered, says Steve Ruberg, a researcher at GLERL. Their formation is similar to sinkholes, caverns created by the dissolution of bedrock from below due to groundwater, which causes the surface layer to collapse. This teasing hypothesis is backed by the fact that part of Lake Michigan rests on limestone, a rock prone to dissolution.
Not all researchers are fully convinced that the craters are sinkholes, warning against labelling them without further investigation. Supporting this viewpoint, Brendon Baillod refers to them as craters instead, suggesting that they could have been formed due to upwellings of water from below or trapped hydrocarbon off-gasing.
Further curiosity is ignited by the lack of escaping water from the craters, which would commonly indicate groundwater circulation beneath the lakebed. Regardless, Ruberg predicts that this evidence may only be a matter of time. Besides, the craters are already proving to be important habitats for freshwater shrimp, small fish, and invasive quagga mussels, further highlighting their biodiversity value and role in the lake’s ecosystem.
The Mystery Persists
Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding their origin and the extent of their ecological impact, researchers are undaunted. The collective imagery and curiosity provoked by these underwater phenomena serve as a reminder of the enigmas that lie below the water’s surface. Further exploration and research will reveal more about these peculiar landmarks located in the deepest recesses of Lake Michigan. “We’ll be exploring them for years to come to learn more, and sort out how they got there and what role they play in Lake Michigan’s ecosystem,” claims Russ Green.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
