Mysterious craters exploded in Siberia’s permafrost. Scientists say they now know why Роман Василенко
A decade ago, a mysterious crater appeared in the Russian Arctic, forming a huge jagged hole hundreds of feet wide, plunging down into an inky abyss. It was surrounded by enormous chunks of soil and ice, testament to the violent forces that created it.

Since 2014, more than 20 such craters have exploded, pockmarking the remote landscape of northwestern Siberia’s Yamal and Gydan Peninsulas — the most recent of which was discovered in August.

The craters have both intrigued and baffled scientists, who have spent years trying to unravel how they erupted into existence. A series of hypotheses have emerged, including wilder theories like a meteor strike or even aliens.

Now, a team of engineers, physicists and computer scientists say they have found a new explanation. Their findings, set out in a study published last month, suggest it’s a mix of human-caused climate change and the region’s unusual geology.