CATASTROPHIC GAS BLOWOUT IN 2020 ON THE YAMAL PENINSULA IN THE ARCTIC. RESULTS OF COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF AEROSPACE RS DATA

The researchers carried out comprehensive study of the Bovanenkovo C17 object of a catastrophic gas blowout in 2020 based on RS data from space and using UAV. For the first time, based on the UAV data, they created a digital 3D model of a cavity in a ground ice massif, in which gas-dynamic processes developed. The dimensions of the cavity bottom are 14×61.5 m, and its height before the explosion was 25-30 m. The 3D model allows research in virtual space. According to RS data from space, the researchers have proved more than half a century of slow growth of the perennial heaving mound (PHM) C17 and established that its explosion occurred from May 28 to June 9. Based on the analysis of digital elevation models (DEM) ArcticDEM in the period of 2011-2017 they revealed an uneven growth rate of the PHM surface — on average 8 cm/year, maximum up to 20 cm/year. The scientists confirmed the formation features of gas-saturated cavities in the massifs of ground ice under the influence of endogenous processes, gas-dynamic growth of PHMs, powerful blowouts, self-ignitions and explosions of gas with the formation of giant craters. The results make it possible to reduce the risks of emergencies and catastrophic situations at the facilities of the oil and gas industry in the Arctic.

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