DESIGNATION X-1: THE LUOQUANYAN SINKHOLE

LOCATION: Xuan'en County, Hubei Province, China

A team of Chinese scientists have discovered a giant sinkhole in Luoquanyan Village, located in Xuan'en County. It is 630 feet (192 meters) deep, with a lush forest at its bottom. On May 6th, a team rappelled down into the sinkhole, discovering ancient trees 131 feet (40 m) tall. The lush undergrowth of the cavern is as high as a person's shoulders.

"Why is this important?" You may ask -- it is important because this untouched hidden oasis is likely home to undiscovered species of animal and plant life. Who knows what creatures, insects, and bacterium lurk down there? I'd say this ongoing exploration is one worth following.