Scientists have discovered the reason why this land is so unusual is due to underground pits filled with methane gas.
This is Belyy Island located off the southern coast of Siberia. In this area, experts found numerous methane gas bubble pits that appeared overnight. Many of these bubbles have exploded, leaving deep holes in the ground as if they had just been dug.
However, there are no traces of soil being displaced around the edges of the holes. Conversely, in the areas with remaining bubbles, the soil above feels buoyant as if walking on clouds. Each time a bubble bursts, a high-density amount of methane gas escapes from the pit.
The strange land always feels buoyant as if on clouds. (Photo: The Sun).
According to experts, the peculiar phenomenon on Belyy Island is due to the effects of climate change in the region. The temperature on the island has increased significantly. As a result of climate change, methane gas is penetrating the thin spots of the permafrost in Siberia, creating these underground pits.
After measurements, they found that the CO2 levels in these bubble pits are 20 times higher than normal. The density of methane gas is 200 times above average. Experts assess that Belyy Island is quite dangerous, as these bubble pits can explode at any moment.
After the methane gas bubble pits explode, they leave deep holes in the ground. (Photo: The Sun).
A researcher recounted the sensation of stepping on the gas-filled pits: “It feels like standing on a jellyfish; this is a phenomenon we have never seen before.”
The scientific community continues to study the potential dangers of these mysterious gas pits and explore solutions to mitigate their impacts.
