Gates of Hell crater burning non-stop for 40 years and no one knows why
While most fires burn out their fuel within hours, days or weeks, when underground fossil fuel deposits catch light, the flames can endure for decades. The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Gates of Hell', is one such example.
This 196-foot-wide pit situated in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert has been aflame for at least 40 years.
The origin of the crater is a hot topic of debate. Some suggest it was formed in the 1970s when a Soviet gas drilling rig accidentally punctured an underground natural gas pocket, while others argue it naturally occurred in the 1960s.
Regardless of how it came into being, geologists set the leaking methane from the crater on fire to avert an environmental disaster. They expected it would burn out in a few weeks but the pit continues to blaze even after decades, reports the Mirror US.
The crater is positioned above a vast oil and gas field that stretches through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, likely connecting it to enormous underground reserves of methane, thus providing the fire with virtually limitless fuel.
In 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis embarked on a mission to probe the crater. Wearing a heat-resistant suit, he descended to the bottom of the crater to collect soil samples.
He discovered simple life forms capable of surviving the extreme conditions at the base of the crater.
While the Gates of Hell may be the most famous burning fire, it's not the oldest one still alight. Deep underground coal layers, known as coal seams, can keep fires burning for centuries.
The coal-seam fire beneath Mount Wingen in Australia has been smouldering for over 5,000 years. These fires are likely to continue indefinitely, fuelled by their vast subterranean reserves.
The site has turned into a tourist hotspot, with a Tripadvisor review describing it as a "spectacular and surreal" experience that is "worth the journey" adding "despite the tough journey, it's absolutely worth seeing at least once in a lifetime."
A local resident expressed that even for someone from the area, the sight is a must-see. He said: "I'm from Turkmenistan, and even as a local, I was truly excited and amazed by my visit to Darvaza (the Gates of Hell). It's one of the most unique and breathtaking places in the world. Watching the burning gas crater at night is unforgettable!".
"The atmosphere, the stars above, and the warmth of the fire create a magical experience. I highly recommend this destination to both locals and international travellers. Don't miss it when you're in Turkmenistan!".
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