The mysterious corner of Texas - "The Well of Jacob"

The state of Texas gave the world a unique landmark - the well of Jacob. This is a huge artesian source of fresh water. Its diameter is 4 meters, and the depth is more than 10 m. When a person stands on top, it seems that an abyss has opened under his feet. Or maybe it does not seem, maybe it's true ...

Dangerous beauty

Many would never know the name of the city of Wimberley, if not for the system of underwater caves. Showing the world in the photographs of the well of Jacob, Texas attracted the attention of a huge number of divers from all over the world. Of course, it's simply impossible to pass by such beauty. She attracts both researchers and simple adventurers. But attempts to penetrate the mystery lead to sad consequences. To date, the well of Jacob has sacrificed his eight diving divers already.

System of underwater caves

So, a huge fresh source comes to the surface. For many millennia, he "dissolved" the rocks, and in their place a huge funnel with sheer walls was formed. But that's not all. The attention of divers is attracted not only by the well of Jacob, but also by a unique system of caves. The first of them is located at a depth of nine meters and is considered the safest. Algae grow here and fish are found. Transparent fresh water allows you to observe the life of the underwater world, the width of the cave allows you to safely dive not only one, but also small groups. The length of this cave is not too great. It goes under a slight downward slope and ends at a depth of 16 meters. But on this quiet underwater walk ends. Further researchers are waiting for real trials.

Trap for divers

The entrance to the second cave is located somewhat deeper. A diver will have to overcome 24 meters of water to get to him. Here, the well of Jacob shows his cunning for the first time. Entering this cave is much easier than getting out of it. The passage is rather narrow, and it is almost impossible to turn around. The first victim of this cave was a young student from Texas who could not get out on a wide place.

The second cave has its secret. Here is the entrance, allowing to continue the journey. But is it worth the risk?

The third and fourth cave: curiosity or recklessness?

It is quite difficult to get into the third cave. The entrance is a narrow opening among unsteady and unstable gravel. Divers have to show miracles of dexterity, so as not to touch small stones and do not cover the lumen. But this does not stop the brave. They seek further and deeper, to the place where no one has ever visited them before.

The fourth cave is called "Virgin". To explore until the end of this cave has not yet been able to. This causes many to return to the well every year in the hope that now they will surely be lucky.

What's happening today

Once the well of Jacob was considered eternal. Everyone was sure that this spring can not run out and be shallow, but it was a mistake. The well of Jacob, whose photo continues to excite the minds of the extremes, is gradually losing water.

A couple of millennia ago, the pressure of the source was so strong that it beat over the surface like a giant geyser. The height of the water fountain was almost 10 meters. However, the aquifer gradually decreases, and the water level in the well becomes smaller. About the fountain, we are not talking at all.

At the end of the 20th century, the first diver was immersed in the cave. This gave rise to a number of dangerous diving, which led to death many times. After another death case, the entrance to the well opening and into the underwater karst caves was attempted to block with a strong grating. But the divers were still trying to get inside.

In the end, the ceiling and superstructure were removed, and today the entrance to Jacob's well is again open. However, the geological treasure of Texas continues to zealously guard its secrets, and the next divers are already filling with oxygen cylinders of aqualungs.