Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit the gateway to hell? No, we're not talking about a mythical underworld, but rather some of the most spectacular and dangerous natural phenomena on Earth: burning gas craters, volcanic eruptions, and acidic pools.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey to some of the places that have earned the nickname of the gateway to hell, and show you why they are both fascinating and frightening.
One of the most famous gateways to hell is the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell. This huge pit, measuring 70 meters wide and 20 meters deep, has been burning continuously since 1971, when a Soviet drilling operation accidentally hit a gas cavern and caused a collapse. To prevent the gas from spreading, the Soviets decided to set it on fire, hoping it would burn out in a few days. But it never did.
The Darvaza gas crater is a popular tourist attraction in Turkmenistan (Credit: Getty Images)
The Darvaza gas crater emits a bright orange glow that can be seen from miles away at night. It attracts thousands of tourists every year, who brave the scorching heat and the smell of sulfur to witness this surreal spectacle. Some even camp near the crater, despite the risk of explosions or landslides. The crater is also home to some hardy creatures, such as spiders and scorpions, that have adapted to the extreme conditions.
Another place that has been dubbed the gateway to hell is the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. The average temperature here is 34°C (93°F), but it can reach up to 50°C (122°F) in summer. The depression lies below sea level and is part of the East African Rift System, where three tectonic plates are pulling apart.
The Danakil Depression is one of the most alien places on Earth (Credit: Alamy)
The Danakil Depression is a landscape of salt flats, geysers, hot springs, and volcanic activity. One of its most striking features is the Dallol hydrothermal field, where colorful pools of acidic water and mineral deposits create a psychedelic scenery. The pH level of some of these pools is below zero, meaning they are extremely acidic and corrosive. Yet surprisingly, scientists have found evidence of microbial life in these harsh environments, suggesting that life can thrive in places we least expect.
A third example of a gateway to hell is Mount Etna on Sicily, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mount Etna has been erupting for thousands of years, creating lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic surges that have shaped the landscape and affected the lives of millions of people. The volcano has also been associated with myths and legends since ancient times, when it was believed to be an entryway to hell or the home of fire gods.
Mount Etna on Sicily is one of the most active volcanoes in the world (Credit: Alamy)
Mount Etna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists and scientists alike. Visitors can hike on its slopes, explore its craters, or watch its eruptions from a safe distance. The volcano also provides fertile soil for agriculture and geothermal energy for electricity. However, Mount Etna also poses a constant threat to nearby towns and villages, as well as air traffic and wildlife. The volcano can erupt without warning and produce lava flows that can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
These are just some of the places that have been called the gateway to hell by locals or travelers. They are awe-inspiring examples of nature's power and beauty, but also reminders of its dangers and unpredictability.
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