These stunning sinkholes can be beautiful and dangerous

Photo courtesy of iStock / EdoTealdi

Darvaza Crater | Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Crater, known as the ‘door to Hell,’ isn’t a natural sinkhole. It’s reputed to have formed when Soviet scientists were drilling into the natural gas fields of the area. The ground gave way, and the entire rig and drilling camp were swallowed.

When the researchers noticed methane gas leaking from the gaping hole, they lit it on fire in 1971 to try to avoid any potential dangers to the environment and nearby population. It’s been burning continuously ever since.

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