Scientists Uncover Troubling New Findings At The World’s Longest-Burning Crater, The ‘Gates Of Hell’

For more than 50 years, a fiery crater in Turkmenistan has captured the world's attention. Known as the 'Gates of Hell,' this enormous pit has been burning nonstop, a spectacle that seems otherworldly but is the result of natural gas and a mistake from decades ago.

Now, government officials are sharing new updates about its future. If you’ve never heard of this burning crater, here’s what’s behind it.

The 'Gates of Hell' is a massive hole in the ground, about 69 meters wide and 30 meters deep, set ablaze in the early 1970s. The name sounds ominous, but it’s just natural gas on fire.

The story starts back in 1971 when Soviet engineers were drilling for oil in the area, which was then part of the Soviet Union. Instead of oil, they hit a large pocket of natural gas.

The ground above it collapsed, releasing dangerous gases into the surrounding environment. To deal with the problem, the engineers decided to light the gas on fire, hoping the flames would burn out in a few days. This was meant to be a quick fix, stopping the gas from spreading into nearby areas.

But the fire didn’t die down after days or weeks. It has been burning steadily ever since, more than 50 years later. The sight of the burning crater, glowing with flames visible from miles away, gave rise to the name 'Gates of Hell.' Over time, it became a bizarre tourist attraction, drawing visitors who camped nearby to experience the eerie warmth of the flames.

The Gates of Hell have been burning since the 1970s.

However, the Turkmenistan government has started working to shut down the fire and close the crater. The motivation is clear: the burning of gas wastes valuable natural resources and causes serious environmental damage. Officials have been trying to reduce the flames and control the leak for a few years now.

According to recent reports, the fire is finally dying down. Scientists say the flow of natural gas feeding the flames has slowed, so the fire has shrunk to about one-third of its original size. Where once the glow could be seen from kilometers away, now you have to get much closer to see any flames at all.

Irina Luryeva, a director at Turkmengaz, the state energy company, explained this change at a recent fossil fuel conference. She said,

“Before, a huge glow from the blaze was visible from several kilometers away, hence the name 'Gates of Hell.' Today, only a faint source of combustion remains.”Getty

In 2022, Turkmenistan vowed to close the crater, but it still leaks methane and fuels climate concerns.

Turkmenistan’s leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, made this a priority starting in 2022. He declared he wanted to be remembered as the one who finally “closed the gates to hell.” Berdymukhamedov pointed out that the burning gas was a lost opportunity for the country.

“We are losing valuable natural resources for which we could gain significant profits and use them to improve the well-being of our people,” he said.

While the flames are shrinking, there’s still a significant environmental problem. Even as the fire dies down, the crater continues to leak large amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

This ongoing release is a concern because it contributes heavily to carbon emissions, adding to global warming.

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The story of the 'Gates of Hell' shows how human decisions, even mistakes, can leave a lasting mark on the environment. What began as a quick solution became a burning crater that has lasted for decades, wasting valuable resources and damaging the planet.

Now, with Turkmenistan working to extinguish the fire, there’s hope the crater will finally go cold. Visitors who once gathered around the flames will need to find a new spot, but the Earth might get a chance to recover.

Environmental scientist Dr. Chris Kresser emphasizes that the ongoing burning of the 'Gates of Hell' poses not just an ecological challenge but a significant public safety concern as well. Kresser notes that uncontrolled natural gas emissions can lead to severe air quality issues, potentially affecting nearby populations. He advocates for immediate measures to mitigate these emissions, such as implementing robust monitoring systems and exploring options for capping the crater to prevent further gas release.

Such proactive steps could minimize health risks for locals while addressing environmental degradation. A combination of public policy and scientific innovation is crucial in managing this unique situation.

Dr. Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when dealing with environmental phenomena like the 'Gates of Hell.' Her work emphasizes that geological studies, environmental science, and public health must align to create comprehensive solutions.

According to McNutt, integrating these fields can lead to more effective strategies, such as designing educational campaigns that inform locals about the health risks associated with the crater. By fostering community engagement and awareness, stakeholders can take informed actions to protect both their health and the environment.

Psychological Insights & Implications

The 'Gates of Hell' serves as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of human actions on the environment. Experts like Dr. Kresser and Dr. McNutt advocate for immediate action, including better monitoring and community education, to ensure local populations are protected from potential hazards. Moreover, a multi-disciplinary approach that combines scientific research with public policy could pave the way for sustainable solutions. By taking proactive steps, we can transform this fiery spectacle into a learning opportunity that promotes environmental stewardship and community health.