Table of Contents
Introduction
In the vast, empty expanse of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan lies one of the most spectacular and bizarre natural wonders in the world – a flaming pit known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, more sensationally nicknamed the “Door to Hell”. This fiery crater has inspired fascination, awe and speculation for decades, yet much of its history and nature remains shrouded in mystery. Join me as we delve into the enigmatic stories surrounding the origins of Darvaza Crater, gaze in wonder at its fiery display, and consider what the future may hold for Turkmenistan’s most infernal tourist attraction.
History of the Darvaza Gas Crater
Discovery of the crater
While stories surround Darvaza Crater have swirled for generations, its modern discovery dates back to the 1950s. In 1971, a Soviet drilling expedition searching for oil fields in the Karakum Desert stumbled upon a massive crater, from which natural gas was emanating. The ground underneath the drilling rig suddenly collapsed, forming a huge crater some 70 meters wide and 20 meters deep. As dangerous poisonous gases spewed from the rupture in the earth, the scientists decided to burn it off, likely expecting the fire to use up the fuel source in a matter of weeks.
Theories on the crater’s origin
But the flames have now burnt continuously for over 50 years. This has led many to wonder – how and when exactly did this flaming pit form? Locals have peddled folk tales, suggesting it was caused by a meteorite strike, an underground coal fire, or even a landing by aliens. But scientists tend to believe the crater was created in the 1960s or 1970s due to an accident during Soviet gas exploration in the desert. Accidentally drilling into a cavern filled with gas led to the ground collapsing, forming the fiery crater we see today.
Description of the crater
Size and location
The Darvaza Gas Crater can be found deep in the center of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat. The crater itself is enormous – spanning some 60 meters across, with depths of 20 meters and more. Its location within a vast, sandy desert only adds to its isolated and otherworldly atmosphere.
Physical features
The crater has vertical, rocky walls leading down to the collapsed center. But its most striking feature is obviously the fiery pit in its center. The gas crater contains a raging fire, with flames leaping high into the air amid plumes of thick, black smoke. At night, the blaze illuminates the blackness, creating a haunting, hellish sight. The heat is intense, making approaching the crater almost unbearable. The surrounding desert also contains numerous smaller fires creating small flaming pools.
The ever-burning flames
What makes Darvaza Crater so astonishing is the sheer endurance and intensity of its flames. The crater has been burning non-stop since its creation almost 50 years ago, leading many to wonder whether its fuel source will ever expire. It is estimated that the crater holds some 35 million cubic meters of natural gas. Scientists have theorized that the gas crater sits above a rich natural gas field, allowing the flames to tap into an extensive supply. The flames have shown no signs of extinguishing any time soon.
Visiting the crater
Getting to Darvaza
Reaching the remote crater involves an arduous journey through hundreds of kilometers of barren desert. Most tourists opt to hire a guide with a four-wheel drive vehicle to undertake the sandy trek. Private tours typically start from Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat, taking about 6 hours to reach Darvaza by car. Permits may be needed to visit the sensitive area. Avoid the peak of summer when desert temperatures soar above 50°C.
Safety concerns
The Darvaza Gas Crater is extremely hot and inhospitable, presenting dangers like toxic fumes, sinkholes, and intense fire hazards. Caution is advised when visiting, avoiding getting too close to the crater’s edge or breathing sulfurous smoke. Experienced guides provide fireproof suits for protection. They also scout new safe routes, as the desert and crater are ever-shifting, with sinkholes unexpectedly forming.
Best times to visit
Nighttime offers the most spectacular views, when darkness illuminates the flaming crater against the pitch-black night. Don’t miss the sight at sunrise/sunset too. Winter is ideal for avoiding extreme desert heat, but prepare well for cold nights. Avoid peak summer temperatures above 40°C when heat exhaustion is a real risk.
Environmental and social impacts
Effects on local environment and wildlife
While visually stunning, the burning crater likely has detrimental environmental impacts. The huge scale of the gas burn-off spews greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The desert ecosystem surrounding the crater may also be affected by heat, fires, sinking craters and noxious gases. There are concerns over impacts on migratory birds and other local desert wildlife, though research remains scarce.
Cultural significance for Turkmen people
The Darvaza Gas Crater holds symbolic significance in Turkmen culture. Locals call it the “Gate to Hell” which brings intrigue and lore. The eternal flames are incorporated into traditional folklore. But the crater also represents Turkmenistan’s extensive gas resources which were squandered and burned during Soviet times. Harnessing this gas for energy instead could have brought prosperity.
Conclusions and future of the crater
Should the flames be extinguished?
There is debate over whether the Darvaza Gas Crater’s flames should be extinguished after burning for over 50 years. Potential benefits include reducing carbon emissions and gas wastage, while some argue the flames have cultural value. However, putting out such an extensive gas fire safely presents huge technical challenges. The gas reserves likely run deep, making permanently extinguishing the flames near-impossible.
Potential tourism opportunities
In recent years, the mysterious Darvaza Crater has caught global attention as a fascinating geological oddity. Its popularity as an iconic and adventurous tourist site has grown, especially among backpackers. Turkmenistan has huge potential to develop the crater sustainably as an exotic tourism attraction, benefiting local communities with jobs and infrastructure while preserving the crater’s allure.
Conclusion
Darvaza Gas Crater stands as one of Earth’s most spectacular natural wonders, as well as an iconic symbol of Turkmenistan’s fascinating yet little-known deserts. The story of how this eternally blazing pit came to exist still eludes us, with mythical explanations competing with geological theories about collapsed caverns and gas reserves. Visiting the crater is an unforgettable yet challenging adventure into an almost alien landscape. As Darvaza Crater gains global fame, Turkmenistan faces decisions over how to harness its tourism potential while preserving its mystique and fragile environment. One thing remains certain – this bizarre, infernal crater will continue igniting the imagination of all who gaze upon its mysterious flames.
FAQ:
What is the Darvaza Gas Crater?
The Darvaza Gas Crater is a fiery pit in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert that has been continuously burning for over 50 years. Nicknamed the “Door to Hell”, it is about 70 meters wide and 20 meters deep.
Where is the crater located?
It is located deep in the center of the Karakum Desert, around 260 kilometers north of Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat. The remote location adds to its isolated, mysterious atmosphere.
How did the crater form?
It likely formed in the 1960s/1970s due to a drilling accident during Soviet natural gas explorations. The ground collapsed into a burning sinkhole that has burned ever since.
Why does the crater keep burning?
It is fueled by large underground reserves of natural gas that seem endless. Estimates suggest the crater holds 35 million cubic meters of gas which continues feeding the flames.
Is it safe to visit the burning crater?
With precautions, the crater can be visited safely, but its remote desert location and fire hazards mean tours can be dangerous. Guides provide protective suits and scout safe routes around sinkholes.