Turkmenistan is implementing a project aimed at securing the recognition of its mud volcanoes by UNESCO, which seeks to protect these natural wonders through meticulous cultural and scientific records.
Geological Adaptors
In this paper, I will illustrate the efforts made so far in the quest to promote the mud volcanism of Turkmenistan as a world heritage site. Historical and cultural records of these unique geographical and geological formations for UNESCO will help their safeguarding and promotion improvement cause.
Recent Expedition
As a result, the expedition of the developing country undertook a study of active and inactive mud volcanoes in the Esenguly basin of the Balkan region. Biological, geographical, and geological spies who were a part of the active expedition of the Turkmenistan National Commission, as well as numerous other national scientific institutions, have taken part in this endeavor.
Geological Highlights
When visiting mud volcanoes in the region, the Gokpatlavuk and Akpatlavuk mud domes stand out as the second most prominent. Akpatlavuk mud volcano, found in the eastern Caspian Sea, has a dome-like structure with mud hills and channel canyons that make it scenic because it has a mud pot in the middle. Gokpatlavuk mud volcano, with a height of 70 meters located next to Ekerem, has slope degrees and retains steps of foaming mud flowing down towards its base in an eroded volcanic landscape.
Insights of Experts
The volcanologists pointed out that although there is a decline in volcanic activity, it does not mean that activity has stopped entirely for most of the sites. They are using research done by Azerbaijani scientists in the 1970s as well, as the mud volcanoes of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran form one geological structure, which is about 50% of the world’s total number of mud volcanoes.
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The Process of Nomination by UNESCO
As a part of the nomination procedure to UNESCO, modern images and new information will be included in the national atlas of mud volcanoes of Turkmenistan to promote the conservation and appreciation of these remarkable natural features.
Conclusion
The Campaign by Turkmenistan to have its mud volcanoes listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites underscores the need to maintain such unusual geological formations. The preparation of comprehensive materials and the involvement of foreign specialists are intended to provide for the enregistrment and effective safeguarding of such natural features.