Scientists in northern Siberia’s Yamal Peninsula recently descended into a massive, newly formed crater. Vladimir Pushkarev, the leader of the new mission and director of the Russian Centre of Arctic Exploration, took probes and made measurements with his team in hopes determining the cause of the crater’s formation.

The funnel of the crater is about 16.5 metres (54 ft) deep with a lake at the bottom of the crater’s surface that is at least an additional 10.5 meters (34.5 ft) deep. According to The Siberian Times: “The research to the largest of three known holes – all recently formed – in northern Siberia was initiated by the Russian Centre of Arctic Exploration, and included experts from a number of institutes.”

For exclusive pictures and videos of the expedition visit The Siberian Times.