Mysterous crater in Siberian permafrost: Scientists know the cause

Mysterous crater in Siberian permafrost: Scientists know the cause

About a decade ago, a mysterious crater in the Russian Arctic on. He formed a huge, jagged hole that led hundreds of foot deep into a dark abyss. It was surrounded by enormous earth and ice lumps that testify to the violent forces that led to its creation.

Development of the craters over the years

Since 2014, more than 20 such craters have appeared that pull through the remote landscape of the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas in northwestern Siberia- the youngest was discovered in August. They have awakened both the interest and the puzzle rates of the scientists who have tried to decipher the causes of their appearance for years. Different hypotheses are in circulation, from crazy theories such as meteorite strikes to alien explanations.

new research results and explanatory approaches

A team of engineers, physicists and computer scientists has now found a new explanation. In a Study , they suggest that a mix of man -made climate change and the unusual geology The cause is.

mechanisms of crater formation

scientists have already largely agreed that craters arise when gases that are caught under the tundra - including the climate -damaging methane - increase underground, which forms a hill on the surface. If the pressure underneath the strength of the floor above exceeds, there is an explosion in which the gases emanish. The exact course of how the pressure arises and where the gas comes from is still controversial.

The procedure of the researchers

The research team decided to examine these questions such as a criminal case, explains Ana Morgado, one of the authors and chemical engineers at the University of Cambridge. At first, they looked at the possibility that the explosions are triggered by chemical reactions. However, this was quickly excluded because there was no evidence of chemical combustion.

The geology of the region

The researchers found that it was the complex geology of the specific area in Siberia. There is thick permafrost under the ground, a mixture of earth, stones and sediments that are held together by ice. Below is a layer of "methane hydrates", a solid form of methane. Between these two layers there are unusual bags made of salty, non -frozen water known as "cryopegs".

a dangerous circulation

Since climate change leads to higher temperatures, the top layer of earth melts, and water slowly penetrates through the permafrost into the cryopegs. The problem is that there is not enough space for the additional water, which causes the cryopegs to swell, the pressure rises and the floor breaks open, causing cracks to the surface. These cracks lead to a sudden drop in pressure in depth, which ultimately damages the methane hydrates and causes an explosive release of gas.

The role of climate change

The study shows that this complex process between melting permafrost and methane can last for decades before explosion occurs. Morgado points out that this process is very specific to the region, which means that with other geology with similar explosive craters, a further puzzle may be solved.

technical opinions on theory

forecasts for the future

The results are still "too general" and do not take into account the complexity of the region, emphasizes Chuvilin. He points out that climate change plays an important role and that this explosive crater can lead to an increase in the future. Schurmeier and other experts agree that we should expect more craters in the coming years, especially after unusually warm summers.

The double risk from the craters

These craters are not only a result of climate change, but also actively contribute to the problem. Each explosion releases methane that was previously included deep inside the earth. Schurmeier warns that although the methane from every single crater is not extremely significant, these explosions are a disturbing sign that the Arctic is changing.

ongoing research and attention

scientists continue their studies of these explosive phenomena to better understand where they will probably appear next. Even if most craters arise in remote areas, there are concerns that they could influence residential areas or oil and gas projects in the region. Some of the many hills in the region are already being monitored to keep an eye on the critical areas.

For Morgado, these craters are proof that people change the climate and destabilize the earth in a new way. "And it happens very quickly," she added. "There are no more millennia; it happens within a few decades."