description Pozzo del Merro Overview
Pozzo del Merro is a water filled sinkhole in the Monti Cornicolani area northeast of Rome, Italy. Remotely operated underwater surveys have reached a depth of about 392 meters without identifying the bottom, making it one of the deepest explored flooded karst features on land. Its steep submerged shaft, groundwater environment, and unusual microbial communities make it a subject of geological, hydrological, and biological research.
help Pozzo del Merro FAQ
Where is Pozzo del Merro?
Pozzo del Merro is a water-filled sinkhole in the Monti Cornicolani northeast of Rome, near Sant'Angelo Romano. It lies within the Macchia di Gattaceca e Macchia del Barco nature reserve. [Rome Metropolitan City reference](https://www.cittametropolitanaroma.it/homepage/aree-tematiche/ambiente/aree-protette-tutela-della-flora-della-biodiversita/le-aree-protette-della-citta-metropolitana-roma-capitale/pozzo-del-merro/)
How deep is Pozzo del Merro?
A remotely operated vehicle reached 392 meters in March 2002. The exploration did not identify the bottom with certainty, so 392 meters is a documented exploration depth rather than a confirmed maximum depth. [Rome Metropolitan City reference](https://www.cittametropolitanaroma.it/homepage/aree-tematiche/ambiente/aree-protette-tutela-della-flora-della-biodiversita/le-aree-protette-della-citta-metropolitana-roma-capitale/pozzo-del-merro/)
Was the bottom of Pozzo del Merro found?
No, the ROV reached 392 meters without conclusively locating the bottom of the flooded cavity. The result showed that the sinkhole continues deeper or through connected underwater passages. [Rome Metropolitan City reference](https://www.cittametropolitanaroma.it/homepage/aree-tematiche/ambiente/aree-protette-tutela-della-flora-della-biodiversita/le-aree-protette-della-citta-metropolitana-roma-capitale/pozzo-del-merro/)
What does Pozzo del Merro look like at the surface?
The sinkhole has a broad conical depression with steep limestone walls and a circular lake at the bottom. The surface opening is about 100 meters wide, while the lake itself is about 30 meters across and remains near 16 degrees Celsius. [Rome Metropolitan City reference](https://www.cittametropolitanaroma.it/homepage/aree-tematiche/ambiente/aree-protette-tutela-della-flora-della-biodiversita/le-aree-protette-della-citta-metropolitana-roma-capitale/pozzo-del-merro/)
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