Have you ever wondered what has happened on the ground underneath of your feet? For example, maybe an important battle from a war occurred right where you are standing. There also might be buried treasure underneath a few feet of dirt. However, have you ever thought what has happened 650 feet below you? If you are in Russia, you might be surprised to learn that some incredible things have occurred at that depth underneath you. This is because there is an abandoned salt mine located in Russia. The Internet is currently sharing all sorts of details about it, and some of the details behind the old mine are downright incredible.
The first thing you should know is how these stunning photographs of the mine were taken. Urban exploring is the practice of visiting and documenting old and seldom visited locations created by mankind. This might included abandoned hospitals, ancient catacombs, forgotten train stations, and more. Knowing the old mine wasn’t well known, two urban explores decided to venture inside with a camera. What they brought back to share with the world is absolutely stunning. They captured photographs that show the beauty of geology and the utter vastness of the mine.
In one of the photos, you can see one of the urban explorers walking along an type of metal catwalk. It looks as if the catwalk is ready to completely rust away in a moment. It’s amazing the men were willing to walk along it. You can see a flashlight pierce the darkness in the distance. However, the light only illuminates the nothingness beyond. The image gives you a taste of exactly how large the old mine really is. You can also see the wavy patterns in the walls of the mine. The patterns look like something straight out of an art book made by hippies. The incredible swirls are actually caused by the mineral Carnallite in the mine. It’s amazing to see such beauty so far underground.
One of the eeriest photos is of a rusted and abandoned mine cart. Who knows how long the cart has remained locked in one place far beneath the surface of the Earth? Did the last person to push the cart know it would remain unmoved and forgotten until these two urban explorers decided to make a visit years a later? Juxtaposed with the swirling mineral patterns in the mine’s walls, it looks like the mine cart is sitting inside of some ancient temple or cathedral. One can almost imagine what otherworldly sounds a choir would make down in those tunnels.
It should be noted the journey down into the mine was exceedingly dangerous. The two explorers needed to obtain permits from the Russian government to be able to even venture down into the mine. Anyone else hoping to see such splendor below ground will need to do the same. Like the two explorers, anyone else venturing inside will need to deal with the risks of lethal gas leaks, landslides, and even cave-ins that could literally bury you alive inside. In light of those dangerous realities, perhaps it is for the best they took all of those pictures. The world is able to enjoy the beauty of the mine without worrying about the risks. What a selfless thing to do!
What do you think? Would you risk life and limb to bring photos like these to the world? Are you impressed by the geological beauty found deep within the Earth? Let us know below! Afterwards, take the time the consider what is buried in the Earth beneath your feet. More discoveries might await!
