Kiera Jefferson
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Gates to Hell, is a natural gas field that collapsed into a cavern in Derweze, Turkmenistan in 1971. It has been burning ever since, spewing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. In 2018, the crater released 50,500 tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 11,000 passenger cars. While there are no official records, it is believed that Soviet geologists lit the fire to prevent the release of poisonous methane gas, expecting it to burn out in a few weeks. Today, the crater remains a popular tourist attraction, but there are concerns about its impact on the environment and local communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Derweze, Turkmenistan |
| Diameter | 69 metres (226 ft) |
| Depth | 30 metres (98 ft) |
| Temperature | 752 °F (400 °C) |
| Year of ignition | 1971 |
| CO2 emissions in 2018 | 50,500 tons |
| CO2 emissions in 2021 | 37,600 tons |
| Status | Still burning as of 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Darvaza gas crater has been burning since 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig punched through a natural gas pocket
- The crater has been spewing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for decades
- In 2018, the crater released 50,500 tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of 11,000 cars
- The president of Turkmenistan has attempted to extinguish the flames to reduce negative health effects and protect the environment
- The crater has become a major tourist attraction, with tourists advised to visit at night to see the fire
The Darvaza gas crater has been burning since 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig punched through a natural gas pocket
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell", has been burning for over 50 years. It was believed to have been started in 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig punched through a natural gas pocket while drilling an exploratory well in search of oil fields. The site collapsed, taking their equipment with it and triggering the crumbly sedimentary rock of the desert to collapse, resulting in several open craters. The largest of these craters measures about 226 to 230 feet across and 65 to 100 feet deep.
The scientists had to deal with the natural gas escaping from the crater. Natural gas is composed mostly of methane, which is highly flammable and poses a danger to the surrounding environment. To prevent the release of poisonous methane gas, they decided to light the crater on fire, expecting that it would burn out in a few weeks. However, 52 years later, the Darvaza gas crater is still burning and is Turkmenistan's top source of methane pollution.
In 2010, Turkmenistan's president, Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, expressed concern that the fire would hinder the development of nearby gas fields. He ordered local authorities to devise a plan to fill in the crater, citing negative effects on the health of surrounding communities, environmental protection, and safeguarding the value of natural gas. Despite these intentions, no action has been taken, and the crater remains open and burning.
In 2013, renowned Canadian explorer George Kourounis became the first person to set foot at the bottom of the crater, gathering soil samples for the Extreme Microbiome Project. Kourounis wore a custom-made Kevlar harness, a full-body aluminized suit, and a self-contained breathing apparatus to protect himself from the extreme heat and toxic gases. Scientists later discovered extremophile bacteria living in the scorched earth samples he provided.
The Darvaza gas crater has become a major tourist attraction, with tourists flocking to witness the fiery inferno, especially at night when the fire can be seen from miles away. While it has brought attention to the region, there are concerns about the environmental impact of the crater. In 2018, the crater released 50,500 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 11,000 passenger cars. While the crater's CO2 emissions have been declining due to depleting gas levels, it still contributes to the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
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The crater has been spewing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for decades
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates to Hell", has been burning for over five decades. It was believed to have been started in 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig punched through a natural gas pocket while drilling an exploratory well in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. The natural gas field collapsed into an underground cavern, creating a crater nearly 300 feet across and 100 feet deep. To prevent the release of poisonous methane gas, the engineers decided to light the crater on fire, expecting it to burn out in a few weeks. However, 52 years later, it continues to burn.
The crater has released significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over the decades. In 2018, it emitted 50,500 tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 11,000 passenger cars. By 2021, the emissions had declined to 37,600 tons of CO2 due to depleting gas levels or changing flows. While this may seem like a substantial amount, it accounts for less than 1% of direct emissions from Turkmenistan's oil and gas operations. The burning of natural gas in the crater produces carbon dioxide, which is a weaker greenhouse gas compared to methane.
The impact of the crater's carbon dioxide emissions on the environment and local communities has been a concern for authorities. In 2010, Turkmenistan's president, Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, expressed worries about the fire's potential negative effects on the development of nearby gas fields and the health of surrounding residents. Despite plans and attempts to extinguish the flames and fill in the crater, it remains open and burning. The Darvaza gas crater has become a significant tourist attraction, drawing international visitors fascinated by its ominous appearance and burning inferno.
The Darvaza gas crater serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of human activities, such as drilling and exploration, on the environment. While the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere has been a concern, the burning of natural gas in the crater has likely reduced the impact of methane emissions, a more potent greenhouse gas. The ongoing efforts to manage and extinguish the fire highlight the importance placed on mitigating its environmental and health effects.
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In 2018, the crater released 50,500 tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of 11,000 cars
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates to Hell", has been burning for over 50 years. In 1971, Soviet geologists seeking oil in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan accidentally drilled into a cavernous pocket of natural gas. The site collapsed, and the natural gas began to escape from the crater. To prevent the release of poisonous methane gas, the scientists decided to light the crater on fire, expecting that it would burn out in a few weeks.
However, the fire has continued to burn for decades, spewing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In 2018, the crater released 50,500 tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 11,000 passenger cars. This amount is based on the assumption that each car drives about 11,500 miles per year. The carbon dioxide emissions from the crater have been on a decline since 2018, dropping to 37,600 tons of CO2 in 2021, likely due to depleting gas levels or changing gas flows.
The Darvaza gas crater has become a major tourist attraction, with its sinister burning flames and the roaring sound of gas burning. Despite concerns about the negative effects of the crater on the environment, local health, and the natural gas industry, it remains open and burning. Efforts have been made to extinguish the flames, but as of 2025, the fire continues to burn, and the crater stands as a testament to the unintended consequences of human actions.
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The president of Turkmenistan has attempted to extinguish the flames to reduce negative health effects and protect the environment
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell", is a natural gas field that collapsed into a cavern in Derweze, Turkmenistan, in 1971. The crater has a diameter of about 60–70 metres (200–230 ft) and a depth of about 30 metres (98 ft). It has been burning ever since, releasing millions of cubic meters of methane and other gases into the atmosphere each year.
In January 2022, the President of Turkmenistan, Berdimuhamedow, announced plans to extinguish the flames at the Darvaza gas crater, citing negative impacts on local health, the environment, and the natural gas industry. A commission was established to find the best technique to achieve this goal. This announcement was in line with the country's efforts to address the constant blaze, which has been a challenge for decades.
The president's plan to extinguish the flames demonstrated a proactive approach to mitigating the negative consequences associated with the burning crater. The release of methane and other gases contributes to air pollution and has potential health implications for nearby residents. By taking steps to address this issue, the president showed a commitment to protecting the well-being of the local community. Additionally, the burning crater impacts the environment by releasing greenhouse gases, particularly methane, which has a more significant effect on the greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide. The president's plan aimed to reduce these environmental impacts and preserve Turkmenistan's natural reserves.
While the president's intentions were commendable, the Darvaza gas crater remains open and burning as of 2025. Despite this, there are indications that the fire is diminishing. In 2025, authorities reported a threefold reduction in the size of the fire over an unspecified timeframe. Additionally, several wells were drilled around the crater to capture methane and prevent its release into the atmosphere. These efforts align with the president's goal of mitigating the negative effects of the burning crater.
The Darvaza gas crater has become a significant tourist attraction in post-Soviet Turkmenistan, with its unique characteristics drawing visitors from around the world. The country's decision to address the burning crater demonstrates a balance between preserving a notable landmark and prioritising the well-being of the local community and environment. While the flames have not yet been extinguished, the efforts made by the president and relevant authorities have contributed to a notable decrease in the intensity of the fire, indicating progress toward achieving the intended goals.
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The crater has become a major tourist attraction, with tourists advised to visit at night to see the fire
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell", has become a major tourist attraction in post-Soviet Turkmenistan. The crater, which has been burning since 1971, is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometres (160 miles) north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. It was formed when a natural gas field collapsed into an underground cavern, and engineers ignited the site to prevent the spread of poisonous gases.
The crater has a diameter of 60 to 70 metres (200 to 230 feet) and a depth of about 30 metres (98 feet). It is known for its striking appearance, with hundreds of natural gas fires illuminating its floor and rim. Tourists are advised to visit at night to witness the full spectacle of the fire, which has been described as a "coliseum of fire" by National Geographic explorer George Kourounis. Kourounis, who became the first person to descend to the bottom of the crater in 2013, described the experience as follows:
> It's like a coliseum of fire—just everywhere you look it's thousands of these small fires. The sound was like that of a jet engine, this roaring, high-pressure, gas-burning sound. And there was no smoke. It burns very cleanly, so there's nothing to obscure your view. You can just see every little lick of flame.
Tourists can access the site via a crude road without signage, and yurts have been set up nearby to accommodate visitors. The Darvaza gas crater has also been featured in various media outlets, including Getty Images and National Geographic, further contributing to its popularity as a tourist destination.
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Frequently asked questions
The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates to Hell", has been releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for decades. In 2018, the crater released 50,500 tons of CO2, which is equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of approximately 11,000 passenger cars. By 2021, the CO2 emission rate had dropped to 37,600 tons, likely due to depleting gas levels.
The greenhouse gas emissions from the crater accounted for less than 1% of direct emissions from Turkmenistan's oil and gas operations in 2021. While the crater is a source of methane pollution, the country's onshore oil and gas operations emitted about 5 million tons of methane in the same year.
The diameter of the Darvaza gas crater is 69 meters (226 feet), and its depth is 30 meters (98-100 feet). It is located in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan and is one of several craters formed during the drilling incident in 1971.
In 2022, Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov announced plans to extinguish the crater, citing concerns for the environment and the health of surrounding communities. While the crater remains open and burning, authorities have reduced the size of the fire threefold and drilled wells around it to capture methane.
