The fire at the Darvaz Crater in Turkmenistan, known as the "Gates of Hell," has reportedly decreased in intensity by three times. The crater is currently not burning as much as it once did.
This was reported by Irina Laurieva, head of the laboratory of the Natural Gas Research Institute of Turkmengaz. RBC quoted her as saying that the intensity of uncontrolled burning at the Darvaza gas crater ("Gates of Hell") in the Karakum Desert has decreased more than threefold compared to August 2023.
Its fires erupted 50 years ago... Turkmenistan is one step closer to closing the "Gateway to Hell."
According to her, this effect was achieved thanks to the intensification of gas extraction. Experts were able to control the flow of gas escaping from the ground, thereby reducing the gas supply to the burning crater.
It's worth noting that Turkmen authorities decided fifteen years ago to extinguish the fire burning in the pit so that it would not hinder the development of neighboring gas fields. Authorities stated that the gas escaping from the ground negatively impacts the health of local residents, exacerbates the environmental situation, and wastes large quantities of natural gas, one of Turkmenistan's most important resources.
The "Gates of Hell" is a crater where natural gas is constantly burning. It is located in the Karakum Desert, near the village of Darvaz, 260 kilometers north of the capital, Ashgabat.
This sinkhole appeared in 1971, when geologists drilled a well in this location while prospecting for gas and accidentally discovered an underground cavity. The upper layers of soil, along with the drilling platform, equipment, and transportation, collapsed into the sudden hole, and gas began to seep through it.
To prevent poisoning of local residents and animals, the authorities decided to set fire to the gas rising from the crater.
Geologists expected the gas to burn out within a few days and the fire to go out on its own, but they were wrong—the crater has been burning for more than half a century. The crater, which has become a local landmark and tourist destination over the years, is approximately 60 meters wide and 20 meters deep.
