BIZARRE EARTH

Meet The Real World Doors To Hell And 9 Other Geographical Oddities

Image: Gaël Gaborel - OrbisTerrae

Our planet is truly an extraordinary place. Not only is it capable of hosting an incredibly vast array of life, but it is also full of all kinds of mysteries that even today defy explanation. From curious geographical oddities to spooky natural phenomena, there’s surely something for everyone.

So, if you are one of those people who loves to look at a map of the world and wonder what’s hiding in each of its corners, this article is for you!

Image: Joshua Case

Ever wonder where Arthur Conan Doyle got the inspiration for his sci-fi novel "The Lost World"? Apparently, there really is such a place after all!

Mount Roraima, towering over the borders of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, is a massive flat-topped mountain surrounded by sheer cliffs. Its unique shape has inspired various myths and stories, and the summit is home to unique plant species found nowhere else on Earth, just like in the adventures of the daring Professor Challenger and his friends.

Image: Moulaye Sidi Aly

The Richat Structure, also known as the Eye of the Sahara, is a massive circular formation in Mauritania that resembles a bull's-eye from space. Originally thought to be an impact crater, it is now believed to be a geological dome eroded over millions of years, revealing concentric layers of rock.

Even more intriguing is the fact that the structure hosts exceptional accumulations of Acheulean archaeological artifacts, suggesting that our ancestors might have deemed it a very special place.

Image: Mandy Beerley

The visible part of Kilauea, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is just the tip of a massive submarine volcano. Its underwater portion holds great geological significance, as it reveals the history of the volcano's gradual growth through underwater eruptions over the past 100,000 years.

Native Hawaiians recognize the importance of this geological phenomenon, considering it a sacred place and the home of the volcanic deity Pelehonuamea.

Image: Michael Clarke

Do you suddenly feel like Mount Everest is taking up too much space? Well, here’s an easy fix for you: stuff it within the Mariana Trench. It fits!

If you have never heard of it before, The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is the deepest part of our world's oceans. Its incredible depth is such that Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from sea level, could fit inside it with more than a mile to spare.

Image: Robert Haverly

A true battle of ice and fire, Mount Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, is one of the few places on Earth where a persistent lava lake exists. Located on Ross Island, this volcano emits gases rich in sulfur dioxide, creating an otherworldly environment reminiscent of volcanic landscapes found on distant moons like Io.

Even more astonishing, scientists have recently discovered that the volcano expels pockets of gas containing roughly 80 grams of crystallized gold daily, amounting to around $6,000!

Image: Thomas Bormans

There is a place in the world where determining which country you're in can be exceptionally difficult. The border between the Netherlands and Belgium is one of the most complex in the world, particularly in the town of Baarle. The town is split into Baarle-Nassau (Netherlands) and Baarle-Hertog (Belgium) with over 20 separate enclaves and exclaves.

This intricate border arrangement leads to houses and even rooms split between two countries. The bizarre border divisions originated from medieval treaties and land swaps between feudal lords, resulting in an irregular and tangled boundary that remains today.

Image: Sergey Pesterev

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania holds the title of the highest free-standing mountain in the world, rising 19,341 feet above sea level. Unlike most mountains, which usually are part of a range, Kilimanjaro stands alone, a stunning and solitary peak that dominates the Tanzanian landscape.

Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it's not just an ordinary mountain but a massive stratovolcano. It consists of three cones—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Fortunately, it's currently dormant, although there were eruptions reported in the 19th century.

Image: Sharissa Johnson

Victoria Island in Canada is a fascinating example of a recursive island—an island within a lake on an island in a lake on an island. Feeling dizzy already?

This unique geographical feature can be found within the larger Victoria Island in the Arctic Archipelago, which itself contains several lakes and islands. It’s even possible that this curious island has never been visited before, as the nearest inhabited area is almost 90 miles away and there are no nearby roads.

Image: Robs

The Stone Forest in Yunnan, China, is a labyrinth of limestone formations resembling petrified trees. Over 270 million years old, rain and erosion sculpted these tall, thin pillars, creating a surreal landscape that stretches over 150 square miles.

If you plan on visiting, be aware that the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a highly popular tourist destination, so it's advisable to book tickets in advance.

Image: Ybrayym Esenov

Fancy a walk through the closest Hell’s customs checkpoint? Well, if you book a flight to Turkmenistan, you can!

The Door to Hell, or Darvaza Gas Crater, is a natural gas field in Turkmenistan that collapsed into a cavern in 1971. To prevent the spread of methane gas, geologists set it on fire expecting it to burn out in a few weeks. Over four decades later, the crater still burns, emitting a glow that can be seen from miles away.

Risky business

The world's 10 most dangerous jobs: You won't believe what's at #4!

Image: John O'Nolan

All jobs come with risks, but some are far more dangerous than others. Certain jobs aren’t for everyone, yet someone has to do them—and many take them on with remarkable dedication and enthusiasm. Here are 10 of the most dangerous jobs in the world, ranked from least to most dangerous. Let’s take a look!

Image: Scott Rodgerson

This is likely one of the first professions that comes to mind when we think of dangerous jobs. While it’s true that police work can put an officer’s physical safety at risk, here it ranks at number 10 on the list. It may not be the most deadly job, but the high level of unpredictability and constant stress officers face makes it a career not suited for everyone.

Image: MRC Témiscamingue

When it comes to non-fatal injuries, factory workers are among the most at risk. With production lines filled with heavy machinery and hazardous materials, accidents happen more often than we'd like. In 2022 alone, over 350,000 non-fatal injuries were reported in US manufacturing jobs, many involving hand injuries from contact with equipment.

Image: Zetong Li

Traffic, especially on highways and busy roads, can be dangerous. Professional drivers must not only be familiar with their own vehicle and the road, but also remain alert to the unpredictable behavior of others. Fatigue from long hours of work is another significant risk factor. For these reasons, being a cab, bus, or truck driver can actually be more dangerous than being a police officer. Surprising, right? But it's true: according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents generally account for about 37% of all work-related fatalities.

Image: Jay Clark

Refuse collectors come in at #7 on the list. These everyday heroes face risks that most people are unaware of. Apart from dealing with constant traffic, they're exposed to contamination, harmful bacteria, and even physical injuries from sharp or hazardous items hidden in the trash. Applause for collectors and the incredible work they do!

Image: Zohair Mirza

If you're afraid of heights, this probably isn't the job for you. Roofers consistently rank among the top 5 most dangerous jobs in the US and the world! But it's not just the height that makes this job risky; handling heavy, sometimes hazardous materials while maintaining balance is enough to challenge even the most experienced tightrope walker. On top of that, cold, windy, or wet weather makes the job even riskier.

Image: Pedro Henrique Santos

Despite technological advances, mining remains a perilous job. Working deep underground comes with constant risk: tunnels can collapse, potentially trapping workers or causing painful, even fatal, injuries. In addition, remote locations, extreme temperatures, and exposure to chemicals and explosives only add to the dangers. For these reasons, miners rank at #5 on this list of the world’s most dangerous jobs.

Image: Rob Mulder

Just like us, you might be surprised to learn that farmers rank #4 among the most dangerous jobs. While life in the countryside may seem peaceful compared to the city, farming is actually very demanding.

Farmers work long hours and face constant risks: handling animals, operating large and dangerous machinery, exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, and working on uneven terrain, ladders, or inside silos are just some of the challenges they confront every day.

Image: Kristopher Allison

While miners face danger underground, pilots confront it in the skies. Being a pilot can be thrilling and rewarding, but it also carries serious risks. Operating complex aircraft at high altitudes means that any mechanical failure can be extremely difficult to manage. Pilots can’t always land immediately in an emergency and may have to remain in the air while troubleshooting. Add unpredictable weather into the mix, and it’s clear why this is one of the most demanding—and dangerous—jobs.

Image: Paul Einerhand

Commercial fishing is nothing like spending a relaxing Saturday casting a line with a friend. These workers can spend months at sea, operating heavy equipment while navigating rough waters, unpredictable weather, and even the dangers posed by marine wildlife. In the US, studies show that about 51% of fishing-related fatalities are caused by vessel disasters, while 30% result from falls overboard—making this one of the most perilous jobs in the world**.**

Image: The Oregon State University Collections and Archives

Using large axes and chainsaws while surrounded by massive trees that could fall at any moment is just one of the everyday dangers loggers face. In fact, the risk is so high that they hold the #1 spot among the world’s most dangerous jobs. Logging carries a high risk of fatalities and injuries each year, with most deaths caused by falling trees.