Vulcanelli di Macalube EarthCache
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[EN] Vulcanelli di Macalube
The term mud volcano or mud dome is used to refer to formations
created by geo-excreted liquids and gases, although there are
several different processes which may cause such activity.
Temperatures are much cooler than igneous processes. The largest
structures are 10 km in diameter and reach 700 metres in height.
Mud volcanoes are among the most important natural emissions of
waters, oil and gaseous hydrocarbons from buried sediments.
About 20% of released gases are methane, with much less carbon
dioxide and nitrogen emitted. Ejected materials often consist of a
slurry of fine solids suspended in liquids which may include water
(frequently acidic or salty) and hydrocarbon fluids.
Mud volcanos are often associated with petroleum deposits and
tectonic subduction zones and hydrocarbon gases are often erupted.
They are also often associated with lava volcanos. In the case of
such close proximity, mud volcanoes emit incombustible gases
including helium. Lone mud volcanoes are more likely to emit
methane.
Approximately 1100 mud volcanos have been identified on land and in
shallow water. It has been estimated that well over 10.000 may
exist on continental slopes and abyssal plains.
On Sicily you can find several mud volcanos. The mud volcanoes at
Aragona belong to the persistently active ones. The Macalube Nature
Reserve of Aragona, 15 km from Agrigento, is characterised by a
strange landscape of small craters that throw muddy clay high up
into the air. These are the mini volcanoes of Macalube, whose name
comes from the Arab word for 'turnover'. The grey mud flows which
are formed by the sporadic geysers give Macalube an almost moonlike
appearance.
Vulcanelli 01 |
Vulcanelli 02 |
Vulcanelli 03 |
Log Example |
Periodically the hillock of the Macalube is stunned by explosive
eruptions, accompanied by roars, with expulsion of clayey material
mixed to gas and water which are cast to notable height because of
the pressuer of gas accumulated below its surface. The gases of the
Macalube are essentially constituted by methane. These owing to the
pressure, escape from the subsoil through discontinuity of the
ground, dragging with itself clayey sediments and water, that
deposing itself in the surface gives place to a cone of mud, from
whose summit, through a crater, the gas escapes.
Equally interesting is the flora in this area. Macalube enjoys a
high position with a salty atmosphere and little rain. Here it is
possible to find endemic species of plants such as the Sorrentine
Aster, a plant protected by the European Community.
To log this Earthcache following task should be fulfilled:
- An earthquake lead to a huge mud flow in 2006. The formed mud
volcano is now termed world’s largest one. What is the name
of this volcano?
- In front of the mud volcanos some boards provide information
about the area. At the entrance you can see a yellow sign with
little 'pictures' (first one is 'life'). How many pictures can you
see?
- Take a picture with you and your GPS in front of the Vulcanelli
di Macalubbe and post it with your log if you like
- Send an email with your answers to my geocaching account.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Dhrfgvba 1: Jvxvcrqvn pna uryc