Good article at NG explaining the controversial "ruins" off the Okinawan coast at Yonagumi. The formations, discovered in 1986, have been the subject of some study by local scientists, but apparently no systematic research has been done. The History Channel did film a TV episode at the site (History's Mysteries?) and it's pretty hard to tell just what the formations are. Japanese marine geologist Masaaki Kimura has studied the area extensivley and believes he has found evidence of human activity at the site.
"Kimura said he has identified ten structures off Yonaguni and a further five related structures off the main island of Okinawa. In total the ruins cover an area spanning 984 feet by 492 feet (300 meters by 150 meters).
The structures include the ruins of a castle, a triumphal arch, five temples, and at least one large stadium, all of which are connected by roads and water channels and are partly shielded by what could be huge retaining walls.
Kimura believes the ruins date back to at least 5,000 years, based on the dates of stalactites found inside underwater caves that he says sank with the city.
And structures similar to the ruins sitting on the nearby coast have yielded charcoal dated to 1,600 years ago—a possible indication of ancient human inhabitants, Kimura added."
However, Boston U geologist Robert Schoch, who was one of the team sent by the History Channel, believes the site is simply a natural phenomenon, the regular angles and fractures caused by natural cleavages in the sandstone and the holes and "markings" formed by wave actions against weak areas in the rock or the work of marine organisms.
Whether formed by an ancient civilization or not, the formations are still a very interesting and oddly beautiful and unique piece of the planet.
No comments:
Post a Comment