"Discovery of Rapidly Expanding Mega Slump in Serbia's Permafrost Highlights Climate Change Impact"

Researchers have discovered one of the world's largest craters, known as the "gateway to the underworld," is rapidly expanding in Serbia's permafrost. This massive crater, officially named Batagay, has been growing by an astonishing 35 million cubic feet each year due to melting of the ground. First identified in 1991 through satellite images, Batagay is a mega slump with a rounded cliff face that formed after a section of hillside collapsed in the Yana Uplands of northern Yakutia in Russia.

This collapse exposed layers of permafrost within the remaining hillside, which have been frozen for up to 650,000 years, making it the oldest permafrost in Siberia and the second oldest in the world. Recent research has revealed that Batagay's cliff face is receding at a rate of 40 feet per year as permafrost continues to thaw. The collapsed section of the hillside is also rapidly melting and sinking.

This phenomenon is not unique to Batagay, as rapid permafrost thaw is becoming more common in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions with ice-rich permafrost terrain. The scale of the melting at Batagay is particularly concerning due to the large size of the crater, which was 3,250 feet wide as of 2023. In just under a decade, the crater has widened by 660 feet.

Researchers have now quantified the volume of melting material from the crater, estimating that over 14 Great Pyramids of Giza worth of ice and sediment has melted off since the collapse. The rate of melting has been relatively consistent over the past decade, predominantly occurring along the western, southern, and southeastern edges of the crater. These findings highlight the significant impact of climate change on permafrost regions and underscore the urgent need for further research and action to address this growing concern.

In conclusion, the rapid expansion of Batagay, the "gateway to the underworld," serves as a stark reminder of the profound effects of climate change on our planet. As permafrost continues to thaw and mega slumps like Batagay grow at an alarming rate, it is essential that we prioritize efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations. Through continued research and collaboration, we can work towards sustainable solutions to address the challenges posed by melting permafrost and ensure the preservation of our planet's unique landscapes.