Siberia: Scientists to investigate giant crater formation

Four new craters in the Siberian permafrost in northern Russia are raising fears that global warming may be causing underground gas explosions. Scientists are still investigating the causes for the crate formation stating that this could be the same phenomenon that formed the Bermuda Triangle. 

The four new giant holes on the Yamal Peninsula, in northern Russia along with dozens of smaller ones, were discovered in an area where three older craters were also spotted last year. Based on satellite images, scientists compared the landscapes to discover a lake measuring about 5,000 square meters. The lake is believed to have formed in a hole 100 by 50 meters large and is surrounded by 20 smaller holes between one and two meters wide. 

Among the theories behind the crater formation, is the pingo phenomenon. A pingo would be an underground built up of ice, covered by soil, which upon its melting, leaves an empty space, causing the overlying soil to subside. Another popular theory supports that the holes were created after an underground explosion of methane, however Prof. Bogoyavlensky in his article published in Drilling and Oil Magazine, says no traces of gas have been found in the soil specimens that have been tested so far, and sings of explosion have been located in the rock formations. 

Breathtaking pictures of the craters are provided in the photo gallery below!