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Explore Hranice Abyss in 3D – the world’s deepest flooded freshwater abyss

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There are some places that few have seen or are yet to be discovered in the Czech Republic. They are hidden underground, created by water over millions of years… gorges, stalactite domes, canyons. Now, thanks to virtual reality and divers’ video recordings, the public has the opportunity to dive into the deep and explore the Hranice Abyss in 3D.

The popularity of the Hranice Abyss’ encouraged the town of Hranice to open a new information center in the former Teplice nad Bečvou station, a 1939 Functionalist building, cultural monument and important example of railway architecture from the first half of the 20th century.

The information center features an interactive 3D model of the Hranice Abyss, capturing the latest knowledge and research on the abyss.

“The abyss is an incredible natural rarity. We wanted to show visitors, using a large 3D model, what is beneath the surface and on the rising slope,” described architect Jitka Mácová.

3D glasses are available to help show various parts of the abyss, especially the places visitors cannot access. The 3D model was created based on videos recorded by the divers between 2000 and 2017, and then assembled with software. There is also a cinema where visitors can view a short film about the abyss.

The cave diving organization ZO 7-02 Hranice Karst, in cooperation with SG Geotechnika a.s., documented the Hranice Abyss through digital aerial photogrammetry using an unmanned aircraft (UAV). They acquired data which aided in the creation of the 3D digital georeferenced model of the abyss’ dry part. As a result, the model has accurate dimensions, inclinations, and articulations of the rock massif.

Check out the below Hranice Abyss video by Petr Chmel, Pragoaquanaut:

The Hranice Abyss is truly perilous due to its unique water composition. The ČSS ZO-7-02 Hranice Karst divers recently had to use closed-circuit diving equipment, CCR Liberty by Divesoft, to avoid chemical reactions and impaired visibility. With this equipment, the divers could safely dive 50 meters below.

Just how deep is the Hranice Abyss? The abyss was created atypically by mineral water springs far beneath the surface and therefore, it is not certain where the bottom is, though some theories suggest it could be as far down as 1200 meters. In 2015, divers reached 265 meters.

On the other hand, a recent analysis of the water indicated that there are helium isotopes that rise up from 40 km below. “How the helium gets into the abyss and how deep the water are big unknowns,” the President of the cave diving organization, ZO 7-02 Hranice Karst, Michal Guba, explained.

Some of nature’s secrets are yet to be discovered…

The vistor centre opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, and on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm.

Address: U Teplic 552, 753 01 Hranice | phone: +420 778 888 643 | e-mail: infocentrum.propast@mkz-hranice.cz | website: infocentrum-hranice.cz/infocentrum-hranicke-propasti

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

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Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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