The ‘Gates to Hell’ Are Dimming. That May Not Be a Good Thing.
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- The Darvaza crater, also known as the "Gates to Hell," is a large, continuously burning natural gas crater in Turkmenistan's desert, attracting adventurous tourists and scientific interest.
- The crater has been burning for decades, but recent infrared imaging data reveals that the fire's intensity has decreased by over 75% in the past three years.
- Turkmenistan's government has long aimed to extinguish the flames due to concerns about environmental damage and health risks.
- Despite the apparent decline in fire intensity, the situation remains complex, and the crater continues to be an enigmatic feature of the region.
