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| Getting to Know Darvaza Crater, The Gateway to Hell in Turkmenistan |
When you hear the word "hell," most people will envision a terrifying place filled with extremely hot flames and glowing embers. In Turkmenistan, there is a tourist spot known as the Gateway to Hell that seems to fit that description perfectly. This place is the Darvaza Crater, a giant hole with roaring flames, creating a frightening yet awe-inspiring sight.
Darvaza Crater, An Incredible Natural Phenomenon
The Darvaza Crater, also known as the Gates of Hell, has a diameter of around 69 meters and reaches a depth of 30 meters. This crater is located not far from the village of Derweze or Darvaza, in the midst of the Karakum Desert, Ahal province, Turkmenistan. In 2013, the Turkmenistan government designated the Darvaza Crater as part of the Karakum Desert nature reserve.
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| Darvaza Crater, The Gates of Hell |
Origin of The Darvaza Crater
Unlike other craters typically formed due to volcanic activity or asteroid impacts, the cause of the Darvaza Crater's formation remains a mystery. It is believed that this hole was created as a result of drilling activities carried out by Soviet engineers in 1971. They were exploring oil reserves in the area when the fragile and unstable ground suddenly collapsed, forming a large hole filled with natural gas.
The natural gas released from this hole contains hazardous compounds, especially large amounts of methane. Methane gas, although odorless and non-toxic, can cause oxygen depletion and is highly flammable. To prevent the spread of the dangerous gas, experts decided to set the gas inside the crater on fire, hoping it would burn out quickly. However, to this day, the gas content inside the Darvaza Crater has not been exhausted despite burning for decades.
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| Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan |
Controversy Surrounding the Origin of the Crater
While many believe that the Darvaza Crater was formed in 1971, geological experts have a different view. They argue that the crater existed since the 1960s and only caught fire in the 1980s. Despite this controversy, the presence of the Darvaza Crater remains an extraordinary tourist attraction.
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| Darvaza Crater |
George Kourounis, The First Person to Descend Into The Darvaza Crater
In 2013, Canadian explorer and television host George Kourounis became the first person to successfully descend into the Darvaza Crater. With special equipment and thorough preparations, Kourounis managed to reach the fiery bottom of the crater to collect soil samples. His expedition not only showcased his bravery and resilience but also provided valuable scientific insights into the extreme environment within the crater.
A Unique Tourist Destination
The Darvaza Crater, dubbed the Gates of Hell, has become a famous tourist spot in Turkmenistan. Many travelers are curious and eager to witness up close this giant, flaming hole. The sight of the continuously burning fire within the crater creates a unique sensation for visitors, making the Darvaza Crater an unmissable tourist destination.
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