It's rare for an industrial accident to become a major tourist attraction, but that's exactly what happened to the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan. Also known as the "Door to Hell" or the "Light of Karakum," the crater has been burning for more than 50 years, making it one of the Central Asian country's most popular tourist attractions.
The Darvaza Gas Crater was created in the 1970s when a Soviet expedition was drilling for natural gas. An accident caused the ground to collapse, creating a giant crater about 70 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep. In order to prevent the release of toxic methane gas, scientists decided to burn the gas, hoping that the fire would go out in a few weeks. However, that never happened. The Darvaza Gas Crater has been burning continuously ever since, becoming a majestic and mysterious sight.
Flames from methane gas escaping from vents along the crater's walls create intense heat that visitors can feel as they stand around. The sight becomes even more impressive at night, when the "tongues of fire" burn under the starry sky, creating an eerie scene that seems straight out of a legend.
Despite being located amid the sand dunes and rocky outcrops of the remote Karakum Desert, the “Gateway to Hell” has attracted thousands of visitors each year. Initially, there were no services or amenities for visitors, forcing them to bring their own supplies if they wanted to spend the night. Today, there are three permanent camps with tents for overnight stays, along with meals and transportation for those who do not wish to hike.
Mysterious Origin
The origins of the Darvaza Gas Crater remain a mystery. Soviet-era reports were either incomplete or classified, leaving no one certain exactly when the crater opened. The most popular theory is that it formed in 1971 and began burning shortly thereafter. However, some geologists believe that the crater actually formed in the 1960s and began burning in the 1980s.
How the fire started is also a story full of legend. Some say it was started with a match or even a grenade. Others say it was started to prevent the smell and toxic gases from affecting a nearby village. Whatever its origin, the fire from the crater has burned for decades.
Strange attraction and uncertain future
The Darvaza gas crater attracts not only tourists but also scientists and explorers. Canadian explorer George Kourounis is the only known person to have descended to the bottom of the crater in 2013 on a scientific mission. He collected soil samples to study the unique life forms that can survive in these extreme conditions, providing clues to the possibility of life on other planets.
Despite its appeal, the future of the “Door to Hell” is in jeopardy. The Turkmen government has repeatedly expressed its intention to extinguish the fire, citing concerns about the environmental and health impacts and waste of resources. However, no official decision has been made. Locals, who have grown accustomed to the influx of tourists who come to admire the wonder, are worried about the potential loss of income.
Today, the Darvaza Gas Crater continues to burn, serving as a unique symbol of the intersection of nature and man-made disasters. The sight is not only visually stunning, but also a powerful reminder of the power of nature and the unsolved mystery of the world around us. With its “horrifying and eerie” beauty, Turkmenistan’s “Door to Hell” will surely continue to attract and fascinate visitors from all over the world, at least until the fire dies down.
Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/cong-dia-nguc-ruc-lua-bi-an-o-turkmenistan-391933.html
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