Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan: The Unique Natural Objects of the Geoheritage

Abstract

In spite of wide distribution, the phenomenon of mud volcanism is fragmentarily studied by geoscientists, saying nothing about the role of the mud volcanoes as the geopark components or the independent geoheritage objects. In Azerbaijan (the eastern part) and the adjacent water area of the South Caspian basin, the mud volcanism has its most development in comparison with the rest parts of world. The mentioned area is considered as the host for over 350 mud volcanoes onshore and offshore, differing in type, morphology, dimensions, eruption activity and intensity of fluids’ emitting and even possible risks for the environment. Here, the mud volcanoes, being the unique and noticeable units of the local landscape, claim the attention of not only the geoscientists but also the domestic and foreign tourists. Consequently, it represents a good enough potential for promoting the future geotourism development of the region not only as the geopark component, but also as independent geoheritage units. The study characterizes the provinces of mud volcanoes distribution, their specific features, definitions and classification. Seven remarkable mud volcanoes from various provinces in Azerbaijan had been selected in the present paper. They are described not only as geological objects but also as the landscape units, scenic attraction and local landmarks. The detailed description as well as the images of the volcanoes can give the comprehensive view about the target of research. The study concludes that following the example of the described mud volcanoes, these geological edifices have the good enough potential to gain the status of geoheritage.