The craters in Siberia were not directly caused by climate change, but it may increase their frequency.
The explosions were likely due to gases building up under frozen soil, known as permafrost.
Northwestern Siberia, where the craters were found, has oil and gas deposits that have been mined for many years, some of which are held in place by permafrost.
Thick ice and permafrost layers act as lids trapping gas reservoirs. If these lids weaken, pressure buildup could lead to gas migration and explosions.
During the Arctic summer, surface permafrost thaws, affecting water flow in the flat region.
Melting ice sheets, water movement, and fossil fuel extraction impact gas movement and accumulation.
Climate change is warming the Arctic faster than the rest of the world, leading to longer summers, increased permafrost thawing, and changes in hydrology weakening the ice layers trapping gas underground.
Although the craters are newly discovered, they may have been forming in permafrost areas for thousands of years, with climate change likely contributing to their increased occurrence.
Ongoing research is investigating if these explosions are unique to areas like northwestern Siberia.
This article responds to the question “What’s behind Siberia’s mysterious explosion crater?” (asked by Stephanie Owens from Chippenham).
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
