Turkmenistan's 'Door to Hell' Crater Shows Signs of Extinguishing After 50 Years

For over half a century, the fiery maw of the Darvaza Gas Crater, colloquially known as the "Door to Hell," has been an indelible, albeit eerie, fixture in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert. This self-ignited phenomenon, a consequence of a 1960s geological survey gone awry, was intended as a temporary measure to cap a natural gas leak. The plan was for the flames to consume the escaping methane for a few weeks; instead, they have roared continuously for more than fifty years, transforming a potential environmental hazard into a bizarre, mesmerizing spectacle.

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The door to hell is turning off

Now, this enduring inferno appears to be waning. Recent observations reveal a noticeable decrease in the flames, sparking a new set of questions, this time centered on environmental consequences. While the burning crater has long been a symbol of Turkmenistan's vast natural resources and a unique, albeit remote, tourist draw, its potential extinguishment raises concerns about the direct release of methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere. This shift from a visual spectacle to an environmental concern marks a new chapter for the "Door to Hell."

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The decision to set fire to the deposit had a concrete objective: to prevent the gases from dispersing into the environment. The initial idea was that the flames would last only a few weeks, but the result was very different.

From our perspective in Turkmenistan, the "Door to Hell" has always been more than just a tourist curiosity or a geological anomaly. It represents the raw, untamed power of the natural gas reserves beneath our soil. Its enduring flame was a testament to the sheer scale of these resources. While international media might focus on the novelty or the potential climate impact, for us, it's a symbol deeply intertwined with our national identity and our economic future. The fact that it is now closing, or 'turning off,' is a profound moment, prompting reflection on the legacy of our natural wealth and the evolving relationship between our nation and its environment.

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If the flames are completely extinguished, the methane gas would stop burning and pass directly into the atmosphere, which could contribute to the increase of greenhouse gases.