Dushanzi Mud Volcano: The Heartbeat of the Earth and the Origin of the Petroleum Industry

1.The Dushanzi Mud: Volcano is a rare and captivating geological wonder located approximately 1.5 kilometers north of the Dushanzi urban area in Karamay, Xinjiang. Situated on a plateau at an altitude of approximately 900 meters, this site is recognized as a significant geological miracle where natural gases and mud are ejected from deep underground fissures. Unlike traditional magmatic volcanoes, these "cold" volcanoes represent a unique interaction between tectonic forces and underground mineral resources.

Geologically, the mud volcano was formed during the Quaternary period. It is driven by immense underground pressure from oil and gas reservoirs that force liquefied mud and gas upward through rock faults. The mud itself is typically gray-black in color and has a thick, viscous consistency. Upon reaching the surface, it forms mounds and craters where gas bubbles rhythmically burst, a phenomenon locals poetically describe as "the heartbeat of the earth". As the mud flows outward and dries, it creates intricate patterns that resemble tree rings or the texture of weathered wood.

Beyond its scientific value, the Dushanzi Mud Volcano holds deep historical significance as a cradle of China’s petroleum industry. The presence of these active mud vents originally led explorers to discover the rich oil deposits in the region, including the nearby site of the first Dushanzi oil well. The surrounding landscape is characterized by desolate badlands and red-tinted mountain ridges, providing a stark, primordial backdrop for the bubbling mud pools. It remains a destination for those seeking an authentic encounter with the raw, unpolished forces of nature along the gateway to the legendary Duku Highway.