Have you heard about the world's deepest hole?

Have you heard about the Cola Borehole? It stands as the deepest borehole in the world, having been drilled by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Locals even claim that you can hear the screams of souls tortured in hell from its depths. Since its creation, there has been a competitive race among superpowers to drill deeper into the Earth's crust and potentially reach the planet's mantle.

Various countries have made attempts at achieving this feat. Japan, the United States, and now China are all vying to push the boundaries. Currently, Chinese scientists are undertaking the task of drilling a hole that reaches a depth of 10,000 meters into the Earth's crust. To put it into perspective, this depth is nearly 32,808 feet, which is over ten times the height of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

But why is China undertaking such an immense drilling project? How are they carrying out this ambitious endeavor? And does it pose any potential threats to our world? Let's explore these questions.

Greetings and welcome. This is Gravitas Plus, I'm Molly Campir. Recently, China's state media, CGTN, shared images pertaining to this project on Thursday. The drilling of the world's deepest hole has commenced in Xinjiang, the largest province in China, according to reports from China's state media, CGTN. This region is known for its abundance of natural resources, including one-third of China's natural gas and oil reserves, 38 percent of its coal reserves, significant groundwater reserves, and vast iron ore deposits totaling 25 billion cubic meters and 730 million tons, respectively. It is no wonder that Xinjiang has been chosen as the location for this ambitious drilling project.

While China claims that the purpose of this expedition is to assess the risks of environmental disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, it is apparent that the primary motive is to tap into the region's rich mineral and energy resources. This endeavor is seen as a means to fulfill China's increasing demand for petrol and jet fuel, particularly after the relaxation of the COVID-19 policies. Reports suggest that Beijing is striving to import a record amount of crude oil this year, and this borehole project could potentially contribute to meeting that demand.

The drilling process is expected to take approximately 457 days, with a planned depth of 11,000 meters. The equipment utilized in this operation weighs around 2,000 tons and will penetrate more than 10 layers of rock, spanning over 145 million years of geological history.

While China asserts noble intentions regarding environmental risk assessment, the timing of this project raises questions about its underlying motivations. The significant focus on fulfilling China's energy needs casts a shadow on the proclaimed environmental concerns.

In summary, the drilling project in Xinjiang, China aims to explore the depths of the Earth's crust for valuable resources. While environmental risk evaluation is cited as a justification, the demand for energy resources and importation of crude oil appear to be key factors driving this ambitious endeavor

The China National Petroleum Corporation spearheads this initiative with the primary objective of gathering data on the Earth's internal structure. The project was initiated following President Xi Jinping's call for advancements in deep Earth exploration. However, it is crucial to ensure that the risks associated with this mission are duly considered.

The drilling process is taking place in the Tarim Basin, a vast depression drained by the Tarim River. At the heart of this basin lies the Taklamakan Desert, which is China's largest desert, spanning over 342,000 square kilometers. The borehole is located in the remote hinterland of this desert. Due to the challenging ground environment and complex underground conditions, drilling such a deep hole into the Earth's crust in this region is no easy task. In fact, it amplifies the potential for tragic incidents, as experts caution.

According to Professor Sun Jinshank of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the construction difficulty of this drilling project can be likened to a big truck driving on two thin steel cables. One can only imagine the consequences if such a truck were to derail. This is just one of the many challenges involved. Another significant concern is the possibility of encountering extremophile viruses that have lain dormant beneath the Earth's surface. A recent study by the Deep Carbon Observatory unveiled that 70 percent of the Earth's bacteria and archaea reside beneath our feet. These organisms, some of which are active while others remain dormant, are referred to as "zombies." They dominate this hidden realm and exhibit remarkable differences compared to the lifeforms found on the surface.

It is crucial to acknowledge and address these challenges to ensure the safety and success of the drilling project. Careful consideration and preparation are necessary to mitigate risks and protect both the environment and the people involved

As we delve deeper into unexplored parts of the Earth, the risks of unleashing long-dormant diseases to the surface increase. Although it may sound like a plot from science fiction, it is firmly grounded in reality. A prime example is the Arctic, where cautionary warnings have been raised to prevent the melting of Arctic ice. Scientists have discovered mysterious and dormant microbes lying beneath these ice sheets, including unknown viruses that have thrived in extreme conditions. The age of these microbes remains unknown, ranging from potentially century-old to millennia-old. However, as the ice thaws, there is a genuine concern that these dormant microbes could be awakened from their slumber, leading to disastrous consequences.

A striking illustration of the potential risks occurred in 2016 when a deadly anthrax outbreak in Siberia was traced back to the thawing of permafrost. The outbreak originated from an infected reindeer carcass buried in the permafrost approximately 70 years prior. A heatwave caused the surrounding ice to melt, exposing the corpse to the open air. As a result, the microbes spread, infecting dozens of people and causing the deaths of thousands of reindeer.

This serves as a stark reminder that when we interfere with nature, it can respond in unexpected and often unfavorable ways. It underscores the importance of approaching new activities and ventures with great caution, ensuring comprehensive risk assessments, and taking necessary precautions to safeguard both human health and the delicate ecological balance