George Kourounis, an American researcher known as the “tornado hunter”, took part online in the international scientific conference “Energy Prospects, New Technologies and Environmental Aspects of Hydrocarbon Production” (TESC 2024), which was held in Ashgabat from June 5 to 6.

As newscentralasia.net reports, in his presentation the researcher noted the success of Turkmenistan’s efforts to reduce emissions from the “Darvaza” gas crater, namely the method of a well drilled near the crater, through which gas flows out from the largest reservoir in terms of reserves. The filtration gas flow changes direction, and unregulated gas flows into the crater are reduced.

In 2013, an American scientist was the first to set foot on the bottom of the burning gas crater “Darvaza”. At TESC 2024, George Kourounis announced his intention to equip a second expedition to the gas crater. He emphasized that based on previous successes, he hopes to gain an even more detailed understanding of the condition of the crater during a future expedition in Turkmenistan.

The goal of the upcoming expedition will be to continue studying life in the crater, namely the study of extremophile microbes, collecting their samples, and further analyzing their DNA. In addition, it is planned to analyze gas emissions to better understand the amount and types of gases emitted/combustion efficiency, etc.

Kourounis also spoke about his plans for the future: through interactive online classes, which he intends to conduct around the world, to share the results of research conducted in Turkmenistan.