“The doors of hell will close”: this crater on fire for decades could soon go out

At the heart of the Karakoum desert. Moreover, the Darvaza gas crater, known as the “Portes de l’Enfer”, has been burning without interruption for decades. Therefore, Fueled by a methane deposit, this natural phenomenon fascinates as much “the doors hell will close”: as it worries. However, Recently, a significant drop in gas emissions has been observed, suggesting a potential change of fate for this emblematic site. Similarly, This development raises both hopes and concerns, while Turkmenistan is considering new strategies to manage this burning heritage.

A mysterious genesis – "the doors hell will close":

The origin of Darvaza’s crater is surrounded by mystery and legends. In addition, According to the most widespread version. Soviet engineers accidentally caused the collapse of a mine by looking for natural gas in the 1960s. This disaster would have released toxic methane, encouraging engineers to ignite gas to prevent a more serious environmental disaster. However. other stories situated this event in the 1980s, stressing the absence of official evidence for one or the other version.

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Whatever the exact circumstances. this hellish fire resists all attempts to extinction since then. The efforts to extinguish the crater have failed, largely due to the risks of causing gas leaks elsewhere. The mystery surrounding the genesis of this site contributes to its fascinating attraction. but also complicates the efforts to manage it.

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An infernal blaze with real consequences – "the doors hell will close":

Beyond the tourist attraction. the “doors of hell” pose significant environmental problems. The methane. Additionally, the main component of the gas escaping from the crater, is a greenhouse gas much more powerful than carbon dioxide. Its continuous combustion contributes to global warming and degrades local air qualitypotentially affecting the health of neighboring populations.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov expressed his desire to definitively extinguish the crater, but attempts were unsuccessful. Indeed, plug this well could cause uncontrolled gas leaks, a complex problem to be solved for “the doors hell will close”: experts. This situation highlights the environmental and political challenges with which the country is faced.

A glow of hope …. new challenges

In 2023 and 2024, satellite observations revealed a significant drop in gas emissions, suggesting a possible gradual extinction of the crater. Around the surroundings are aimed at exploiting or channeling methane, rather than letting it burn unnecessarily. This evolution represents a potential major ecological reliefbut it is also a source of uncertainties.

Turkmenistan, a notoriously closed country, offers little transparency on these developments. If the extinction of the crater is confirmed. it could lead to a loss for local tourism, which benefits from this unique natural curiosity. The ecological and economic challenges that result from it will have to be carefully managed to avoid new problems.

What to remember

• Darvaza’s crater, nicknamed the “doors of hell”, is a spectacular natural phenomenon burning without interruption for decades.
• Located “the doors hell will close”: in the heart of the Karakoum desert, it attracts tourists despite its geographic isolation.
• The exact origin of the crater is uncertain, between accidental collapse and voluntary fire to evacuate toxic gas.
• Released methane is a powerful greenhouse gases, posing a major ecological problem.
• The Turkmen government has expressed its desire to extinguish the crater, with recent actions indicating a possible reduction in emissions.
• The closure of the “doors of hell” could lead to new ecological and socio-economic challenges for Turkmenistan.

While Darvaza’s crater could soon go out, Turkmenistan is at a critical crossroads. How does the country face the challenges posed by the management of this natural curiosity. while preserving the ecological and economic interests of the region?

The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.

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