Batagaika Crater

The Batagaika Crater in Siberia, also known as the “gateway to the underworld,” is the largest permafrost crater in the world. It was initially formed in the 1960s and became prominent due to satellite imagery in 1991. The crater is expanding rapidly, currently at a rate of more than 10 meters per year, largely because of permafrost thaw induced by rising global temperatures and historical deforestation. This permafrost thaw releases significant quantities of carbon dioxide and methane, exacerbating global warming. The Batagaika Crater provides vital insights into the effects of climate change on permafrost areas and serves as a natural laboratory for studying ancient geological conditions. Researchers are emphasizing the urgent need for global strategies to monitor and mitigate the effects of permafrost thaw to prevent further environmental degradation.