Scientists have released the first footage of the massive 2 miles (3.2 km) crack which has formed in the Arizona desert.
In coming years, it is being expected that crack can get even longer, the scientists are expecting that the widest parts can stretch up to 10 feet (3 meters) and could soon collapse into the void.
The giant crack was first discovered in 2014 from Google Earth images geologist Joseph Cook from the Arizona Geological Survey.
When Cook and his team finally visited the site, they found that a whole new section opened up last year and the crack is going on extending.
Cook said when he went out to map the fissure, he realized that it was much longer than, what was apparent in the Google image, almost two miles long in total.
Cook is sure the length of the fissure will increase over time, he said “we are only seeing the surface crack of what collapsed, the underlying fissure is longer."
According to a local news the fissure is located in the Tator Hills area of southern Pinal County, just 13 miles south of Arizona City and could pose a threat to vehicles driving through this area, or livestock or people if standing too close to the c area
It is estimated that the crack will plunge 30 feet (9 meters) deep in some areas.
The underground fissure itself likely formed due to less 'natural' circumstances,Cook said, telling Bryner that extensive water withdrawal for agricultural purposes is the likely culprit.
As farmers for agriculture purpose and other industries draw large amount water from below the surface, that leaves a series of voids in the ground that can be exposed at any time due to heavy rains.
Fissures are common in the area. The Arizona Geological Survey has mapped hundreds of kilometers of cracks so far, but none of them has come close to this massive crack.
But considering Cook and his team have set up 26 study sites in the area, and they have so far mapped around 170 miles (275 kms) of similar fissures nearby.
Medical Marijuana generated millions in Arizona
AMandeep
