In the remote reaches of the Chersky Range in northeastern Siberia, a colossal crater known as the Batagaika is devouring the Earth's surface at an astonishing rate. This thermokarst depression, often referred to as the 'gateway to the underworld' or 'gateway to Hell,' is expanding by a staggering 35 million cubic feet each year. Currently measuring approximately 1 km (0.6 mile) long and 800 meters (0.5 mile) wide at its broadest point, the Batagaika crater is not merely a geological curiosity but a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change.
The Batagaika crater was first discovered in 1991 when an underground opening further split, taking with it a substantial portion of the hillside. Since then, the crater has continued to grow at an accelerating pace, fueled by rising air temperatures. This rapid expansion has set off a positive feedback loop that shows no signs of slowing down as long as there is ice to thaw.
Permafrost, despite its misleading name, is not truly permanent. It is essentially ground that has remained at or below 32°F (0°C) for more than two years. Covering a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere's land surface, permafrost can range from a few feet deep to nearly a mile. As the permafrost layer degrades or melts due to warming temperatures, it transforms from a concrete-like consistency to a muddy mass, unable to support the vegetation above.
The edges of the Batagaika crater collapse into the depression, causing the ground to lose the protective canopy of trees that shield it from the sun and heat. This newly exposed organic matter, no longer preserved in ice, begins to break down and release carbon into the atmosphere, further contributing to atmospheric warming. The result is a vicious cycle of increasing permafrost loss and accelerated crater growth.
One of the most concerning aspects of the Batagaika crater's expansion is the potential release of ancient viruses and bacteria that have been dormant in the permafrost for millennia. In 2016, a permafrost thaw is believed to have released the anthrax-causing Bacillus anthracis, resulting in the death of 2,649 reindeer and dozens of sick locals, including one child who tragically passed away. The rapid growth of the Batagaika crater exposes permafrost estimated to be 650,000 years old, raising concerns about the potential reemergence of novel viruses that modern biology and medicine may not be equipped to handle.
The dramatic formation of the Batagaika crater, with its steep cliff-like edges, has earned it the ominous nicknames of 'gateway to the underworld' and 'gateway to Hell.' Currently, the crater is approximately 50 m (164 ft) deep, with some areas plunging down to 100 meters (328 feet). Despite the grave implications of its growth, the Batagaika crater has become somewhat of a tourist attraction, drawing visitors to witness the awe-inspiring yet alarming phenomenon firsthand.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, the Batagaika crater serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of rising temperatures and the importance of taking action to mitigate their impact. The rapid expansion of this Siberian 'mega-slump' underscores the urgent need for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the delicate balance of Earth's ecosystems.
