Why are Mystery Craters Appearing in Siberia?

Mar 06 2015

Although it might sound like the plot of a science fiction movie, the phenomenon of the mystery craters in the frozen Siberian Wastelands is a mystery which has scientists and researchers scratching their heads.

Why are Mystery Craters Appearing in Siberia?

The Siberian Yamal Peninsula (which translates into the ominous sounding “End of the World”) is home to approximately half a million reindeer and their herders, a variety of migratory birds and in more recent times a number of sinkholes – and the race is now on to discover why.

The initial crater which is some 66 meters in diameter first came to prominence in 2014 when it was discovered following an explosion which saw rock and soil being flung some 120 meters into the air. Following the initial discovery of the crater now known as B2, there appear to be a further nine in the Peninsula, in addition to a number of “baby craters” which flank the original and are currently filled with water.

The mystery for the scientists studying the area is why these craters are appearing and what is causing them.

Russian Academy of Sciences

Ever since the initial discovery, the Russian Academy of Sciences, headed by their Deputy Director Vasily Bogoyavlensky, have been working to discover the secrets surrounding the sudden appearance of the sinkholes.

Discussing the phenomenon with the Siberian Times, Dr Bogoyavlensky said, “I would compare this with mushrooms; when you find one mushroom, be sure there are few more around. I suppose there could be 20 to 30 craters more.2

We still do not know if this is caused by environmental degradation. The team at RAS currently suspect that gas emissions or explosions could be to blame for the sudden emergence of the craters. They believe that a sudden thaw of the Arctic landscape could have allowed underground reserves of methane gases to burst upwards or outwards.

The theory comes from their research into degassing in Yamal lakes, and they believe that a similar build up and explosion or expulsion may have effectively blown the craters into existence from beneath the frozen landscape.

Although an expedition in November 2014 saw a team from the RAS climb into B2 for research purposes, the ground near to the newest craters has not been designated safe for exploration at the present time. As such, only a handful of reindeer herders have seen the newest craters in the flesh whilst a helicopter mapping of the local area has confirmed a number of new additions to the area.

Dr Bogoyavlensky discussed the potential difficulties in studying the area: “These objects need to be studied, but it is rather dangerous for the researchers. We know that there can occur a series of gas emissions over an extended period of time, but we do not know exactly when they might happen.” He went on to discuss the potential severity of the situation; “it is important not to scare people, but to understand that this is a very serious problem and we must research this.”