But to make fire, heat is of the essence. Typically, heat found in rocks under shale breaks down the shale’s carbon molecules, releasing natural gas. Though for this to happen, the heat needs to reach a boiling temperature. As noted in Outlook Traveler, the temperature of the shale found under Eternal Flame Falls is only about as hot as a cup of tea. And yet, the scientific mystery remains, as its flame still kindles. Scientists believe that cracks in the rocks allow for gas to travel up, keeping a constant source of energy, and even if the fire lights out, it can be re-lit so long as gas keeps coursing through the rocks.
History Daily argues that “instead of being a true eternal flame, it is actually an eternal gas leak.” According to Discovery, hikers have been seen lighting the flame from time to time as the wind blows it out. Hence, it may not be that the fire is ever-present, but that the gas needed to ignite it is always available. Nature’s very own loophole.
Top Image: Mpmajewski/Wiki Commons
Related: 10 Famous Unsolved Mysteries Easily Explained by Science
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