Experts are unsure what caused a giant hole in Siberia earlier this week. The phenomenon was revealed in incredible footage from a helicopter. It is in the Yamal Peninsula, also known as the end of the world. At the time some thought it may have been caused by a meteorite, but predominant theories now suggest it is a pingo or the result of a gas explosion from deep below surface. A pingo is an accumulation of ice underground that melts, leaving a hole.
The explosion theory is based on the abundance of gas in the area. An expedition is currently underway to learn more about the feature. A review of Google Earth coverage dated September 4, 2013 shows no evidence of the structure hence it must be less than a year old. Looks like gas explosion or small meteor (or space junk from satellite re-entry)causing an impact crater. No supporting visual evidence for pingo.
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