Darvaza
is a Turkmenistan village of about 350 inhabitants, located in
the middle of the Karakum desert, about 260 km north from Ashgabat. The Derweze
area is rich in natural gas. Other than the burning crater, two other craters
of similar origin are located there. These craters are not burning as the gas
pressure is much weaker. At the bottom of one of these craters is light grey
mud while the last crater contains a turquoise lake. This lake prevents further
attempts at drilling. Not far from the burning crater are several dormant wells.
Images of turquoise
lake, Darvaza, Turkmenistan