The Door to Hell

[Sinue_v2]

Some of you might know of the Coal Mine fire in Centralia Pennsylvania. This is the Turkmenistan equivalent. As the story I heard goes, geologists drilling a new natural gas mine hit upon an underground chamber which swallowed up their equipment (and some of their crew?). Rather than risk a recovery, it was decided to cap the gas chamber with a fire to prevent poisonous gases from being released. So far, the fire has been burning for around 35 years. Seeing as Turkmenistan's is gifted with the world's fifth largest known natural gas deposits, it may be burning for quite some time to come.

http://englishrussia.com/images/darvaz_door/2.jpg

http://englishrussia.com/images/darvaz_door/5.jpg

Video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TEjoga1yrn0&feature=PlayList&p=9898F00632491F57&index=0

It's really quite surreal. If I had the chance, I'd like to visit it - as well as the "Burning Mountain" near New South Wales Australia. A coal fire which has been burning for around the last 6,000 years.

[ngagerebel]

I remeber something like this where they stuck a microphone in a burning coal ming and htye heard screaming and people yelling names and junk, it was really stupid some religous ploy to get people in church

[Weeaboolits]

That looks neat.

[ngagerebel]

Silent hill here I come!!! lol

[Sharkyland]

Looks kinda cool with that light among the dark landscape, but I find it weird there doesn't seem to be like no billows of black smoke burning while the fire is ongoing unless it's a different type of chemical reaction like those bunsen burners.

[CelestialBlade]

That just might be the coolest thing ever.

Oh, beautiful fire....

[CelestialBlade]

On 2008-03-25 17:24, Sharkyland wrote:
Looks kinda cool with that light among the dark landscape, but I find it weird there doesn't seem to be like no billows of black smoke burning while the fire is ongoing unless it's a different type of chemical reaction like those bunsen burners.


The smoke is dependent on what exactly is reacting with the combusting gas. Natural gas would give off clear smoke, but something like burning coal or rubber would be blackish.

[astuarlen]

That must be an awesome (emphasis on the awe) sight to see, as those photos alone are inspiring and eerie. Gives me an idea for a painting.

Thanks for posting, Sinue!

[Dangerous55]

Good timing. I was just in Centralia on Sunday. Smoke was pouring out of the ground. I'm glad the truck didn't fall into anything like this.

Very neat.

[Xefi]

this is the first time i have heard about this mountain. Nice post and got to love the fiery mountain. Wonder how hot is it just standing next to the edge? Go there if you can and tell me how it feels. http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif

[Monochrome]

They should set up a restaurant nearby that lowers chickens into the crater for 'rope-rotisserie' BBQ