The Darvaza Gas Crater, often called the “Door to Hell,” is a large, continuously burning natural gas field in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert. This fiery chasm, an unexpected outcome of geological exploration, continues to burn, highlighting both natural forces and human decisions.
The Search for Natural Gas
The Darvaza Gas Crater originated in the early 1970s during extensive geological surveying by Soviet engineers. Their objective was to locate and assess natural gas deposits in the Karakum Desert. Near Darvaza village, exploration teams identified a promising site for gas extraction and began drilling to confirm reserves.
These expeditions aimed to expand the Soviet Union’s energy infrastructure and secure new hydrocarbon sources. The Darvaza area, known for its methane-rich geology, was a prime target.
The Ground Collapses
During drilling, the Soviet team inadvertently penetrated a large underground cavern filled with natural gas. The immense pressure from this gas pocket caused a sudden collapse of the ground above. The drilling rig, equipment, and temporary camp plunged into the newly formed sinkhole. This created a crater 60 to 70 meters in diameter and about 20 meters deep, instantly releasing significant quantities of natural gas.
Large volumes of methane and other gases, like hydrogen sulfide, spewed into the atmosphere. This uncontrolled release posed considerable environmental and health risks. The escaping gas presented an unforeseen challenge for the geological team.
The Decision to Ignite
Faced with uncontrolled, highly flammable, and toxic gas release, geologists decided to ignite the escaping gas. Their primary concern was the spread of poisonous gases, especially hydrogen sulfide, which posed serious health implications for Darvaza village. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, also presented an environmental hazard. Burning off the gas was deemed the safest way to mitigate these dangers.
The expectation was that the fire would consume the gas within weeks, allowing the crater to burn itself out. This controlled burn was a temporary measure to prevent environmental harm and protect human health. The decision was a calculated risk to manage an immediate problem.
Why It Kept Burning
The initial assessment of gas reserves was a significant underestimation, leading to the Darvaza fire’s unexpected longevity. Geologists did not fully comprehend the vastness of the underground natural gas reservoir. The continuous methane supply from this enormous subterranean pocket has fueled the flames for decades, far exceeding the initial prediction.
The crater acts as a natural vent for this immense gas field, allowing gas to escape and burn. Specific geological conditions, including permeable rock layers and a large, interconnected gas reservoir, contribute to the sustained burning. This ongoing combustion transformed a short-term solution into a permanent, fiery landmark.