The mud volcanoes are a relatively widespread natural phenomenon in the whole Alp-Himalayas belt, in the Pacific and in Central Asia. Nevertheless, one can say that they are a typical phenomenon of Azerbaijan since, on 800 mud volcanos listed in the world, 400 are located in Azerbaijan. The majority of them are on the continent but one knows also underwater mud volcanos some of them giving sometimes rise to transitory islands.

Azerbaijan is known for its ground rich in hydrocarbons. The presence of these volcanos near oil reservoirs and natural gas layers is the origine of spectacular natural phenomena : the fire hills! Several mud volcanoes are not only inoffensive but have even therapeutic virtues.

People interested by mud volcanoes may find all scientific information as well as beautiful photographs in the Bulletin of Mudvolcanology. Photographs of this site come from this on line periodic.