Mud Volcanoes in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: Small Landforms of Outstanding Scenic and Scientific Value

Mud volcanoes are emissions of cold mud due to the ascent to the surface of salty and muddy waters mixed with gaseous (methane) and, in minor part, fluid hydrocarbons (petroleum veils) along faults and fractures. In the Emilia-Romagna Apennines (Northern Italy) mud volcanoes are closely linked to the active tectonic compression associated with a thrust of regional importance. They are mostly cone-shaped and show variable geometry and size, ranging from one to few metres, and are located in 19 sites in the northwestern part of the Apennines. The mud volcanoes of the region have been known since a long time and have always aroused great interest due to their outstanding scenic value. In the past the mud volcano emissions have been used in many ways: the mud was applied for cosmetic use and the natural oil was much appreciated for its balsamic and purgative properties. In the last decades the mud volcanoes have represented a relevant tourist attractiveness.