Two more mysterious holes have opened up in Siberia, and scientists have no idea what’s causing them

July 2014 – RUSSIA – Two more mysterious holes have opened up in Siberia after the original crater appeared in the Yamal Peninsula earlier this month. “Yamal” is a name that literally translates to “end of the land.” Both new craters were discovered by reindeer herders, who thankfully didn’t fall the estimated 300 feet to the bottom. In case the thought of bottomless black holes isn’t already conjuring up images of an apocalyptic doomsday, then here are some videos and pictures to ensure you don’t sleep at all tonight. What are they, and why are portions of Siberia now beginning to collapse in huge holes?

Scientists are still unsure as to what exactly is causing their appearance. Theories range from meteorites to stray missiles, a man-made prank or even aliens. However, The Siberian Times reports that the most common belief is that they’re the result of “melting permafrost due to climate change, causing a release of methane gas, which then forces an eruption.” So basically, these things might keep popping up if humans continue to treat the planet like their own personal trash can. One of the craters is on the same peninsula as the first one, while the other is on the Taymyr Peninsula. The first is 98 feet in diameter, the second is 49 feet, and the third is 13 feet.

Marina Leibman, chief scientist of the Earth Cryosphere Institute, told URA.RU, “Undoubtedly, we need to study all such formations. It is necessary to be able to predict their occurrence. Each new funnel provides additional information for scientists.”A researcher at the Russian Scientific Centre of Arctic Research, Dr. Andrey Plekhanov claims that more studies will need to take place in order to determine if climate change is to blame.  –RYOT