2.3.3. Mud Volcanoes

Mud volcanism, such as is occurring in Azerbaijan, results when sediments lack su fficient induration to allow maturing gas and oil to escape. Hydrocarbons maturing at ~14 km depth in Azerbaijan produce overpressures that make the sediments quick (as in quick sand). The result is oil- and gas-spewing mud volcanoes 1 to 3.5 km in diameter. As illustrated in a spectacular geologic atlas [66], the stratigraphy is literally turning itself inside out, and there is an observed triad of oil, gas, and diapiric structures (Figure 11).

**Figure 11.** Mud volcanoes result when hydrocarbons are generated in un-indurated sediments. Mud Volcanoes of the Azerbaijan Atlas [66].
