Tuim sinkhole, Natural sinkhole in Khakassia, Russia
Tuim sinkhole is a circular collapse pit in Khakassia's permafrost zone that stretches about 200 meters across. The walls drop steeply and expose layers of frozen ground and rock that reveal how this geological formation developed.
The sinkhole formed suddenly in November 2010 and immediately caught the attention of geologists across Russia. The event sparked intense scientific study of this region and how its frozen ground behaves.
Local people speak of this formation as a sign of how the land is changing. It has become part of conversations about nature's power to reshape the landscape.
The site is reachable by foot through local paths, but the area is remote and weather can change quickly. Good hiking boots and weatherproof clothing are essential for a safe visit to this exposed location.
Scientists use satellite and remote sensing tools to track changes in the sinkhole's structure and gather data about permafrost conditions. This monitoring helps them understand how climate shifts are affecting Siberia's landscape.
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