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1 year ago in Geomorphology By Ashwin Goel

Does the Yamal crater have endogenic or exogenic origin?

The Yamal crater is a dramatic feature, and theories range from meteorite impact to subsurface gas explosion. I'm reviewing the literature for a seminar and find conflicting viewpoints. What does the most recent and robust evidence crater morphology, gas data, lack of impactites point to as the predominant mechanism? Is the endogenic vs. exogenic debate settled?

 

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By Aaftab Answered 1 year ago

Having followed this research closely, the consensus has strongly coalesced around an exogenic, permafrost-related origin. The evidence I find most compelling is the lack of any impact products or shock metamorphism, and the clear association with gas-emitting lakes in the region. The morphology steep sides, raised rim, and lack of ejected debris matches a phreatic-style explosion. Current models point to high-pressure methane accumulation in taliks (unfrozen zones) within the permafrost, leading to a rapid, explosive release. While fascinating, it's a dramatic symptom of climate-driven permafrost thaw, not a volcanic or impact event.

 

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