More sinkholes have been spotted by satellite in Siberia, prompting calls for urgent research to confirm what's causing them. One of the large craters, referred to as B2, is surrounded by 20 smaller craters.

"It is important not to scare people, but this is a very serious problem. We must research this phenomenon urgently to prevent possible disasters. We cannot rule out new gas emissions in the Arctic and in some cases they can ignite," said Professor Vasily Bogoyavlensky from the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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Researchers say the craters were likely formed after gas explosions, but no one has seen what's caused them, only the result. The crater researchers call B2 is located near one of Russia's largest gas fields.

As research teams continue to investigate, Bogoyavlensky believes there are more craters on Yamal and they just need to search for them. He added they need to find out what areas and under what conditions are the most dangerous.

Last summer, scientists speculated the craters formed after permafrost melted, followed by an explosion of methane gas. Some researchers expressed concern climate change will make formation of the permafrost sinkholes more common.

Their years of experience have shown that gas emissions can cause serious damage to drilling rigs, oil and gas fields and offshore pipelines. Researchers cannot rule out new gas emissions in the Arctic and in some cases can ignite.

The research will continue in hopes of finding out if they should have any additional concern.

TagsSiberia, sinkholes, huge holes, crater holes, Gas Explosion, B2