In a stunning drone footage, the Batagaika crater, known as the world’s largest permafrost crater, has been revealed in Russia’s Far East. Locals refer to it as “the cave-in” or “the gateway to the underworld.” The crater’s growth, initially starting as a ravine in the 1970s, is now rapidly expanding due to the alarming rate of permafrost thawing caused by Russia’s warming climate. Scientists warn that the country is experiencing warming at least 2.5 times faster than the global average, resulting in the release of greenhouse gases stored in the thawed soil.
The Batagaika crater, scientifically termed a “mega-slump,” extends over a kilometer long and reaches depths of about 100 meters in some areas. According to Nikita Tananayev, lead researcher at the Melnikov Permafrost Institute in Yakutsk, the soil beneath the slump contains an “enormous quantity” of organic carbon that will be released into the atmosphere as the permafrost continues to thaw, exacerbating global warming.
With permafrost covering about 65% of Russia’s landmass, the consequences of its thawing are becoming increasingly evident. The rapid expansion of the crater has become a dangerous sign of what’s to come. Tananayev warns that if temperatures keep rising and human impact continues, more mega-slumps will emerge until all permafrost is gone, leading to dire implications for the planet’s climate.
The impact of thawing permafrost is already being felt in northern and northeastern Russia, as it threatens cities and towns. Buckled roadways, split houses, and disrupted pipelines are just some of the consequences of this phenomenon. Moreover, the region has witnessed intense wildfires, which further exacerbate the problem. Locals in Russia’s Sakha Republic have expressed concern over the rapid expansion of the Batagaika crater. Its growth has significantly encroached upon paths and infrastructure in the area over the past two years. While scientists cannot pinpoint the exact rate of expansion, the situation demands urgent attention.
The drone footage captures two explorers navigating the uneven terrain at the base of the crater, marked by irregular surfaces and small hummocks formed after the surrounding forest was cleared in the 1960s, causing the permafrost underground to melt and the land to sink. The consequences of the Batagaika mega-slump are far-reaching and alarming. As the permafrost continues to thaw, it poses a significant threat to the environment, releasing vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, and contributing to the acceleration of climate change. Urgent action is required to address the underlying causes and mitigate the impacts of this unprecedented phenomenon.