Explanation of the "Black Hole's" Disappearance

 

The sources offer a theory explaining the sudden disappearance of the "Black Hole," a peculiar water-filled depression on Mr. Alex. H. Sitlington's property. This theory centers around a connection between the "Black Hole" and a nearby cavern, facilitated by heavy rainfall.

• 
  
  A key piece of evidence supporting this theory is the presence of a "perpendicular cavern" situated a few hundred yards from the "Black Hole" on the slopes of Middle Mountain. Individuals who dropped rocks into this cavern reported hearing sounds suggesting the rocks plunged into water at a significant depth.

• The theory proposes that the substantial rainfall during the preceding year created a subterranean channel, or vein, linking the "Black Hole" to this cavern. The water from the "Black Hole" then flowed through this newly formed channel and emptied into the cavern, effectively draining the pool.

• Further strengthening this theory is the observation of two wet-weather springs located approximately one mile south of the "Black Hole". These springs, typically dormant during dry periods, flowed with muddy water for an entire day a few days before Mr. Varner discovered the "Black Hole's" disappearance. Interestingly, all other streams in the area remained clear during this time. This suggests a localized hydrological event, potentially linked to the redirection of water from the "Black Hole."

The muddy water emanating from the springs could indicate that the newly formed channel connecting the "Black Hole" to the cavern dislodged soil and sediment, which was then carried by the water flowing towards the springs. The fact that only these two springs exhibited muddy water, while other streams remained clear, supports the idea of a direct connection between the "Black Hole," the cavern, and these specific springs.

While the sources don't explicitly confirm this theory, the circumstantial evidence, including the cavern, the sounds of falling rocks hitting water, and the behavior of the nearby springs, presents a compelling argument. The disappearance of the "Black Hole" remains a curious natural phenomenon, and this theory offers a plausible explanation rooted in the observable features of the landscape and the region's hydrological patterns.