Palçıq vulkanı Hökməli, Mud volcano in Binagadi district, Azerbaijan
Palçıq vulkanı Hökməli is a mud volcano on the western Absheron Peninsula that continuously expels mud, gas, and water through a cone-shaped formation rising from the ground. The surface shows clear traces of this activity with deposits and crater openings that demonstrate the force of underground geological processes.
The volcano has remained active since the 19th century and helped establish Azerbaijan as home to roughly one-third of the world's known mud volcanoes. This geological significance drew scientific attention and shaped understanding of volcanic processes linked to underground petroleum deposits.
Local communities have long applied the mineral-rich mud from this volcano to treat joint and skin conditions using traditional methods. People visit to experience these therapeutic practices firsthand and understand how the land provides natural healing resources.
Visitors should approach the volcano during periods of visible activity and maintain a safe distance from all outlet openings. The ground can be muddy and slippery, so appropriate footwear and careful walking are essential.
The mud expelled from this volcano contains methane and various hydrocarbons that indicate connections to underground oil and gas deposits. This chemical composition makes the site valuable for geologists studying energy resources beneath the surface.
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