Scientists finally solve mystery of Siberia’s giant craters origin

Scientists have finally unveiled the mystery behind the origin of huge exploding craters which were discovered in the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas of Western Siberia in 2012.

These craters, as deep as 164ft, dubbed as giant gas emission craters (GECs) are responsible for blasting soil and ice hundreds of feet into the air.

For years, scientists have made several efforts to unravel the mystery associated with the origin of these giant holes. Several theories ranging from explosion of natural gas to meteor impacts have been making rounds to prove craters’ origins.

According to new research study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, “GECs have so far only been observed in the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas, suggesting that some specifics in this region can trigger the formation only here and not elsewhere in the vast Arctic belt of permafrost.”

“The recent discovery of eight gas escape craters in Western Siberia has challenged researchers for the past decade, the researchers wrote.

As per recent research findings, instead of explosions and meteorite crashes, soil’s internal processes are responsible for the formation of huge craters.

In addition, the recent research also adds the two unique factors in GECs formation, including climate change induced warming and vast gas reserves.

As per recent theory proposed by the research study, the origin of these craters dates back to the process, leading to the rise of heat and gas from deep spaces. As a result of heat, the top permafrost seal melted, leading to a thinner surface.

The gas building pressure coupled with climate induced thawing is responsible for the explosive collapse of the soil, creating a large hole.

“This study critically reviews the existing models and concludes that focused deep heat and gas from below the permafrost may be the key factor allowing the formation of GECs,” the team wrote.