The Muddy Volcanoes (Vulcanii Noroiosi) are a major tourist attraction in the Buzau County, with lots to offer from a geological and scenic perspective. There are two major sites in the sunlit hills north of Berca: the Big Volcano (Paclele Mari) and the Small Volcano (Paclele Mici).
The volcanoes do not erupt with lava, but with clay water, and do not pose a threat to man. The eruptions are caused by the rising of gases 3000 meters below the ground. This gas is compressed in between cracks which are formed by the shifting of underground layers to the east of the Carpathians, causing it to come up to the surface. The clay, which is found underground in this region, also rises to the surface and dries almost immediately upon contact with the air. This fast curing process allows for the creation of small volcanoes, which continue to grow to this day.
Observing the mud volcanoes is truly delightful! The gas continues to rise to the surface before our very eyes, forming small volcanoes (about ten meters) and round lakes, creating an environment that somewhat resembles the lunar surface.
Natural site
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