Origins of underwater stones a mystery

United Press International ^ | Monday, February 9, 2009 | unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

An archaeologist says it remains a mystery how a circle of stones initially arrived at the floor of Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay.

Underwater archeologist Mark Holley said while he first discovered the underwater stones in 2007, no one has been able to prove whether the rocks were placed there by nature or by mankind, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday.

"The first thing I said when I came out of the water was, 'Oh no, I wish we wouldn't have found this,'" Holley said of his discovery. "This is going to invite so much controversy that this is where we're going to be for the next 20 years."

In fact, several state officials and members of native tribes have expressed interest in the stone formation since it was discovered.

Holley is hoping to put the growing mystery to rest this summer when he and a Northwestern Michigan College student perform laser scans of the underwater image.

The Tribune said the scans will allow the researchers to make a computer model of the site, which is currently protected as a potential Native American site.

[Tainan]

Obviously signs of an ancient and highly aquatic civilization.

[grellis]

If you would like to be added or dropped from the Michigan ping list, please freepmail me.

[SunkenCiv]

Aquaman. Or maybe Prince Namor.

[SunkenCiv]

Lake Michigan's Stonehenge You never know what you might find when you go for a dive, especially if you keep your eyes open for something unusual. In 2007, the archaeologists were studying the Lake Michigan's floor, and they were surprised to find a Stonehenge-like stone formations on the bottom. The stones are aligned in a circle 40 feet below the surface of the lake. One of the stones features a picture of an animal that was extinct for over 10,000 years. [Image source: www.scubaq.ca]

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[SunkenCiv]

Note: this topic is from 02/09/2009.

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