A natural gas crater in Turkmenistan has been burning since 1971, attracting tourists and earning the nickname “The Gate to Hell.” It was created when an oil drilling platform collapsed, revealing methane gas instead of oil. The crater is estimated to be the size of an American football field. Explorer George Kourounis collected samples of microorganisms from the crater floor in 2014. Turkmenistan’s leaders considered filling the crater in 2010 but made no decisions.
A natural gas crater in Turkmenistan has been ablaze since 1971, when an oil drilling platform collapsed into an underground cavern. Soviet engineers thought there might be significant oil reserves there, but found methane gas instead. Instead of allowing the gas to seep into neighboring towns near the village of Derweze (Darvaza), they lit the gas, expecting it to run out in a couple of weeks. Instead, it has burned ever since, creating a tourist attraction that brings thousands to the desolate site each year. Locals also call Darvaza Crater “The Gate to Hell” and “The Fire Crater,” referring to the ever-present orange flames. after all they continue to simmer. Tourists like to camp near the crater, which is estimated to be the size of an American football field.
A fiery chasm in the middle of nowhere:
Turkmenistan has the sixth largest natural gas reserves in the world.
Explorer George Kourounis, wearing a heat-resistant suit, became the first person to explore the crater floor, collecting samples of the microorganisms that lived there. The feat was documented in 2014 on the National Geographic Channel.
Turkmenistan’s leaders discussed filling the Darvaza chasm in 2010, but no decisions were made.
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