Science & Technology
Scientists study Siberia's 'hellmouth' crater
By
T.K. RandallMarch 1, 2017 ·
7 comments
This satellite image shows the extent of the crater's expansion. Image Credit: Google Earth
Referred to by some as 'Doorway to the Underworld', Siberia's Batagaika Crater is constantly expanding.
Situated in northern Yakutia, this 300ft-deep crater is of particular interest to scientists because its continued expansion has provided them with an opportunity to study long-buried layers of soil that reveal much about the geological history of the region.
In the most recent study, researchers analyzing permafrost deposits in the crater have identified a wide range of past landscapes ranging from dense forests to open tundra.
The crater itself, which is also known as a "mega slump", first formed back in the 1960s and has since been growing at a rate of up to 100ft each year.
"On average over many years, we have seen that there's not so much acceleration or deceleration of these rates, it's continuously growing," said researcher Frank Gunther.
"And continuous growth means that the crater gets deeper and deeper every year."
Source:
AOL News |
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Siberia, Crater
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