Door to hell…

The “Door to Hell” refers to a natural gas field in Derweze (karakum desert), Turkmenistan, that has been burning continuously since 1971. The site is also known as the “Gates of Hell” or “Darvaza Gas Crater.” ws:

Origin:

In 1971, a Soviet drilling rig was conducting exploratory drilling for natural gas in the Karakum Desert. During drilling operations, the ground beneath the rig collapsed, creating a large crater. To avoid the release of poisonous gas, the decision was made to ignite the gas and burn it off, expecting the fire to last for a few weeks.

diameter and depth:

It has a diameter of 60–70 meters and a depth of 30 meters.

Continuous Burning:

However, the gas in the crater turned out to be much larger than anticipated, and the decision to burn off the gas resulted in a massive crater of fire. The flames have been burning continuously since then, turning the site into a unique and eerie spectacle.

exploration:

In 2013, George Kourounis became the first person to set foot at the bottom of the crater, collecting soil samples for a microbiome project (A microbiome project is a scientific endeavor that aims to study the diversity and function of the microorganisms that live in and on different) environments.

Tourist Attraction:

Despite its unconventional origin, the Door to Hell has become a tourist attraction. People visit the site to witness the flames and experience the surreal landscape created by the burning crater.

Scientific Research:

The Door to Hell has also attracted scientific interest. Researchers study the extreme conditions around the crater to gain insights into the microbial life that can survive in such harsh environments, providing valuable information for astrobiology research.

conclusion:

While the Door to Hell may seem mysterious, its origin is attributed to human intervention during drilling operations. The continuous burning of natural gas in the crater has turned it into a unique and unexpected phenomenon that draws both tourists and scientists. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the Door to Hell remains one of the most fascinating and unusual sites on Earth.