The Science Behind Massive, Mysterious Holes

There are times when scientists start scratching their heads, wanting to know “what the heck happened.” One of these is the massive holes popping up in the Siberian tundra.

A 17th hole appeared in the remote Yamal and Gyda peninsulas in the Russian Arctic since the first one got spotted in 2013. Mystified scientists thought these had a link with climate change. These scientists used drone photography, 3D modeling, and artificial intelligence to unveil their secrets.

The new crater was well preserved, with the surface water not yet flowing through it when the hole got surveyed. It was the first time researchers were able to fly a drone deep into a crater. It reached 10 to 15 meters below ground, capturing the shape of an underground cavity. It turns out there was methane building up below the surface, in that cavity with ice, causing a mound at ground level that eventually blew up in an explosion of ice and other debris.

There are three things you should learn from this. Firstly, do not stand near eerie mounds. Secondly, never jump into craters because there can be ice poking up. And finally, never scratch your head, since that doesn’t help your thinking. That has been the New News Newsminute, thank you.