Stunning Drone Footage Reveals World’s Largest Permafrost Crater in Russia’s Far East
BATAGAI, Russia – A breathtaking drone video has uncovered new details about the Batagaika crater, an enormous permafrost crater located in Russia’s Far East. Stretching over one kilometer long, the crater is known to be the largest of its kind globally.
In the recently released footage, two explorers can be seen navigating the uneven terrain at the crater’s base. Marked by irregular surfaces and small hummocks, the crater originated in the 1970s after the surrounding forest was cleared. The resulting thawing of the permafrost underground caused the land to sink, giving rise to the massive gash.
Local resident and crater explorer Erel Struchkov referred to the phenomenon as “the cave-in” and explained its developments. “It developed in the 1970s, first as a ravine. Then, by thawing in the heat of sunny days, it started to expand,” Struchkov told Reuters while standing on the rim of the crater.
Scientists warn that Russia is warming at least 2.5 times faster than the rest of the world, resulting in the melting of the vast permafrost that covers approximately 65% of the country’s landmass. This melting process releases greenhouse gases trapped in the thawed soil, exacerbating climate change.
Referred to as the “gateway to the underworld” by locals in Russia’s Sakha Republic, the Batagaika crater is scientifically known as a mega-slump. However, while the site may attract tourists, experts caution that its expansion is a sign of danger.
Nikita Tananayev, lead researcher at the Melnikov Permafrost Institute in Yakutsk, explained the potential risks associated with the increase in mega-slumps. “In future, with increasing temperatures and with higher anthropogenic pressure, we will see more and more of those mega-slumps forming, until all the permafrost is gone,” Tananayev expressed to Reuters.
The thawing permafrost has already posed threats to cities and towns across northern and northeastern Russia. Infrastructure, including roadways and pipelines, has been compromised by the buckling caused by the thawing permafrost. Additionally, the situation is worsened by the intensification of wildfires in recent seasons.
Taking note of the rapid growth of the Batagaika crater, locals in Sakha have expressed concerns. Struchkov remarked, “(Two years ago, the edge) was about 20-30 meters away from this path. And now, apparently, it is much closer.”
While scientists have not determined the exact rate at which the crater is expanding, Tananayev highlights the significant amount of organic carbon stored in the soil beneath the slump. As the permafrost thaws, this carbon will be released into the atmosphere, further contributing to global warming.
“With an increasing air temperature, we can expect (the crater) will be expanding at a higher rate,” Tananayev warned. “This will lead to more and more climate warming in the following years.”
The situation calls for urgent action to mitigate climate change and preserve the permafrost. The implications of the Batagaika crater’s expansion serve as a potent reminder of the pressing need to address global warming threats.
Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Andrew Osborn and David Holmes