Gas Crater “Door to Hell” Has Been on Fire Since 1971- Scientists are Starting to Worry

The gas crater releases a substantial amount of methane, which can negatively affect the surrounding ecosystem. It also increases the risk of an unforeseen explosion in the future.

It is located near a small village called Davasza, which reportedly only has around 350 people living in it. The official name of the crater is the Darbaza Crater. (via CNN)

This cavern was filled with natural gas, and the hole that the rig punctured started causing dangerous fumes to be released at a steady rate. (via Atlas Obscura)

The Soviets hoped the fire would go out in just a few weeks, however, they were forced to abandon their drilling rig when the fire wouldn’t go out, and the fire has continued burning for decades. (via Atlas Obscura)

Undeterred by the danger and the flame, people would camp out in the wild near the crater for a chance to bask in the shadow of the “Gates of Hell.” (via Atlas Obscura)

The size of the crater proved challenging, and the continued presence of methane gas makes it dangerous to operate in the area. An article by Science Direct explains that suppressing methane fires becomes increasingly difficult based on the amount of oxygen present.

Berdimuhamedov was known for previous antics where he filmed himself performing a rap song and riding a bicycle while shooting a firearm.

CNN reported that a local newspaper in the country said the deputy prime minister in Turkmenistan “was instructed to gather scientists, and if necessary, to attract foreign consultants and find a solution for extinguishing the fire.”

A person who has prolonged exposure can experience problems with memory, a loss of consciousness, or even death by suffocation.

Methane gas is invisible, which adds to the danger it presents to humans. Often people might not realize when they are inhaling large concentrations of methane.

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) The concept of an Underworld exists in several religions, some of which depict the realm with fire.

The fire still burns to this day, but it is a huge waste of natural gas resources. Eventually, the economics of allowing such a fire to continue burning will force a real solution. According to CNN, Turkmenistan relies on the production of natural gas as a source of revenue.

Kourounis saw the colossal, flame-engulfed crater as an exciting challenge, and sought to collect soil samples at its bottom to try and understand the life surviving in such extreme conditions. The journey, chronicled in the National Geographic Channel series Die Trying, was a truly audacious quest that pushed the boundaries of human exploration.

The crater, spewing burning methane at high pressure, captivated him because of its unparalleled status in the natural world. The “Door to Hell” is also still a complete mystery, which presented an opportunity for Kourounis to potentially uncover secrets that could contribute to our understanding of similar phenomena elsewhere in the universe.

Custom-made Kevlar climbing harnesses were a crucial component, as standard harnesses would succumb to the extreme heat. To acclimate himself, Kourounis even enlisted the help of a Hollywood stunt coordinator, undergoing controlled burns to simulate the intense conditions he would encounter.

The shimmering distortion of the air and the intense blast of heat downwind challenged his resolve. Despite initial apprehension, Kourounis described the experience as akin to stepping onto another planet, filled with a breathtaking near-alien landscape and an incredibly urgent sense of vulnerability.

Kourounis encountered only the sporadic passersby, including tourists on motorcycles and camels. The site, once reached, offers an open invitation to visitors. In a country that sees only 6,000 visitors each year, this is an exceptionally remote destination. However, Kourounis stands as the sole individual to have even descended into the Darvaza Crater.

Despite the challenges, Kourounis successfully gathered soil samples, hoping to discover signs of microbial life thriving in the methane-rich environment. The results exceeded expectations, revealing bacteria comfortable in high temperatures, forming a micro-ecosystem unique to the depths of the Door to Hell.