Mud volcanoes of Pâclele Mari, Geological nature reserve in Scorțoasa, Romania.
The mud volcanoes form conical structures where gases from 3000 meters deep push clay, salty water, and mud through surface vents.
The geological formations received official protection status in 1924 and achieved recognition as a UNESCO geopark designation in 2022.
Local residents refer to these geological formations as the Gates of Hell due to their continuous gas emissions and bubbling mud surfaces.
The reserve requires sturdy walking shoes, maintains specific visiting hours, and restricts access during wet weather to protect the natural formations.
The cold mud expelled from these formations creates miniature volcano-shaped cones without any connection to actual volcanic magma processes.
Location: Scorțoasa
GPS coordinates: 45.33919,26.70850
Latest update: March 5, 2025 15:37
The selection presents geological formations from basalt columns in Northern Ireland to salt flats in Bolivia. It includes glaciers, volcanoes, canyons, waterfalls, and coral reefs. These geological structures were shaped by natural forces such as erosion, tectonic movements, and volcanic activities over millions of years.
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