Abstract
Formation of gas emission craters (GEC) is a new process in the permafrost zone, leading to considerable terrain changes. Yet their role in changing the relief is local, incomparable in the volume of the removed deposits to other destructive cryogenic processes. However, the relief-forming role of GECs is not limited to the appearance of the crater itself, but also results in positive and negative microforms as well. Negative microforms are rounded hollows, surrounded by piles of ejected or extruded deposits. Hypotheses related to the origin of these forms are put forward and supported by an analysis of multi-temporal satellite images, field observations and photographs of GECs. Remote sensing data specifically was used for interpretation of landform origin, measuring distances and density of material scattering, identifying scattered material through analysis of repeated imagery. Remote-sensing and field data reliably substantiate an impact nature of the hollows around GECs. It is found that scattering of frozen blocks at a distance of up to 293 m from a GEC is capable of creating an impact hollow. These data indicate the influence of GEC on the relief through the formation of a microrelief within a radius of 15–20 times the radius of the crater itself. Our study aims at the prediction of risk zones.
Highlights
From the moment of its discovery in the north of West Siberia (Figure 1, Table 1) [1,2], the phenomenon of gas-emission craters (GEC) has been considered as a serious risk to economic infrastructure, settlements and temporary campsites of the nomadic peoples
Predicting the so-called “hot spots” as areas of possible future crater formation should include an estimation of risk zones around craters, where ejected frozen blocks can be scattered
This paper considers in detail two of these three GECs with impact hollows: GEC-2 in the Central part of the Yamal Peninsula, and AntGEC in the Gydan Peninsula
Summary
From the moment of its discovery in the north of West Siberia (Figure 1, Table 1) [1,2], the phenomenon of gas-emission craters (GEC) has been considered as a serious risk to economic infrastructure, settlements and temporary campsites of the nomadic peoples. Predicting the so-called “hot spots” as areas of possible future crater formation should include an estimation of risk zones around craters, where ejected frozen blocks can be scattered. Our data obtained within the framework of a general GEC study indicates that the role of GEC in a relief changes through the formation of a microrelief around the crater itself.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
