Definition
The Darvaza gas crater is a continuously burning natural gas field located on the Karakum Desert near the village of Darvaza in the Derweze District of Turkmenistan. It is roughly 70 m (230 ft) in diameter and 20 m (65 ft) deep, and is commonly referred to as the “Door to Hell” because of its fiery appearance.
Overview
The crater was created in 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig collapsed into a shallow underground cavern while drilling for natural gas. To prevent the release of flammable gases, geologists set fire to the vent, expecting the gases to burn off within a few days. The fire has persisted for decades, turning the site into a tourist attraction and a subject of scientific interest regarding natural gas combustion and underground geologic structures. The area surrounding the crater is barren desert, and the site is administered by the government of Turkmenistan.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Darvaza” derives from the nearby settlement of Darvaza (also spelled Derweze). The term “gas crater” is a descriptive English phrase indicating a crater formed by gas-related activity. The nickname “Door to Hell” is a popular, non‑official moniker that reflects the luminous, infernal appearance of the burning pit.
Characteristics
- Location: Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan; coordinates approximately 38°57′N 58°24′E.
- Dimensions: Diameter about 70 m; depth about 20 m.
- Formation: Result of a collapsed underground gas pocket; the collapse produced a vertical shaft that exposed methane‑rich gas to the atmosphere.
- Fire: The gas ignited by the drilling team continues to burn, fueled by a steady supply of natural gas seeping from surrounding strata.
- Temperature: Surface temperatures measured near the rim have reached approximately 300 °C (572 °F).
- Environmental impact: The combustion consumes methane—a potent greenhouse gas—though the overall contribution to atmospheric emissions is relatively small compared to global sources.
- Safety: The crater is fenced off, and access is controlled; occasional guided tours are organized for visitors.
Related Topics
- Natural gas seeps and spontaneous combustion phenomena.
- Soviet-era geological engineering projects in Central Asia.
- Other persistent combustion sites, such as the Burning Mountain in Australia.
- Environmental implications of methane venting and combustion.
- Tourism in remote natural landmarks.