Dozens of new mysterious craters found in Siberia – BBC News

In the summer of 2014, scientists reported that they were able to unravel the mystery of the mysterious crater on the Yamal Peninsula. According to Russian geologists, a giant basin formed as a result of emissions of methane from melting permafrost.

At the same lead author Andrei Plekhanov, an archaeologist from the scientific study of the Arctic Centre in Salekhard, said that local herders have reported the discovery of similar geological structures, which at that time had not yet been studied by scientists.

Now, satellite observations indicated the presence of several dozen deep craters. It turned out that the biggest depression codenamed B2 surrounded by twenty more similar structures.

“I would compare these structures with mushrooms: find one mushroom, you are likely to find more nearby dozen. In total, the Yamal may be from 20 to 30 craters of unknown origin “- explains Professor Vasily Epiphany of the Russian State University of Oil and Gas. IM Gubkin.

The largest craters found – B2 – located next to one of the largest Russian gas fields . If Plekhanov and his colleagues are right, that the geological structure is formed powerful methane emissions, that this phenomenon poses a threat to all gas fields counties.

“Long experience has shown that gas emissions can lead to serious damage to drilling rigs , oil and gas exploration and offshore pipelines. Gas emissions can be ignited, endangering not only heavy industry, but also the environment of the Siberian region, “- says Professor Epiphany.

However, until now it was not possible directly confirm that the Yamal craters were really due to methane emissions. The fact is that geologists have not seen this process directly – only observe the results in the form of giant craters. Other hypotheses to explain the appearance of mysterious structures, scientists have not yet provided.

Scientists believe that a similar process may be responsible for the appearance of the Yamal unusual lakes. Most likely, they were formed after the merger of dozens of such “child” craters. It turns out that the strange depressions in the Siberian region can be significantly longer (if we take into account of existing lakes).

It is the fear and the fact that climate change could trigger a new more frequent emissions of methane . Now scientists are actively discussing the prospect of organizing a large scientific expedition to the “craters”. If the hypothesis is confirmed subsequently by geologists immediately will have to tackle a problem that threatens the environment and industry of Siberia.