A fiery pit in Central Asia has been ablaze for over four decades, leaving scientists puzzled as the nearly 200-foot-wide crater continues to fuel its own fiery frenzy. Unlike most fires that burn out after consuming their fuel within hours, days or weeks, when underground fossil fuel deposits ignite, the flames can endure for years.
The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the ‘Gates of Hell’, is one such example. This 196-foot-wide pit in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert has been aflame for at least 40 years.
The origin of the crater is a subject of contention. Some suggest it was formed in the 1970s when a Soviet gas drilling rig accidentally punctured an underground natural gas pocket, while others believe it occurred naturally in the 1960s.
Regardless of how it came into existence, 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.
The crater lies above a vast oil and gas field that stretches across Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, likely connecting it to enormous underground reserves of methane, thereby providing the fire with virtually limitless fuel. In 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis embarked on a mission to explore the crater, reports the Mirror US.
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 might be the most famous burning fire, it’s not the oldest one still alight. Subterranean coal seams can keep fires burning for centuries due to their deep layers.
The coal-seam fire beneath Mount Wingen in Australia has been smouldering for over 5,000 years and is expected to continue indefinitely, fuelled by vast underground reserves.
This fiery pit has turned into a tourist hotspot, with one Tripadvisor review describing it as a “spectacular and surreal” experience that is “worth the journey”, stating “despite the tough journey, it’s absolutely worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.”
A local resident expressed his awe despite being from the area, saying: “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!”.
He added: “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!”.