INNOVATIVE ANALYSIS OF MUD VOLCANO PATTERNS IN WESTERN AND SOUTHWESTERN PAKISTAN THROUGH SATELLITE IMAGERY

Abstract

Mud volcanoes are geological features formed due to pressurized mud, water, gases accompanied by rocks that are expelled to the surface from underground. In Pakistan, there are more than 80 mud volcanoes. However, there is a lack of extensive, thorough mapping and analysis of Pakistan's mud volcanoes in the West and Southwest utilizing satellite image technologies. The present study aims to locate various clusters in South Western and Western regions of Pakistan, and to make a laboratory scale and conceptual model of mud volcanoes in this region to understand the underlying geological and tectonic processes. Firstly, we have used high-resolution satellite images to demarcate and identify various clusters and individual mud volcanoes. Secondly, mud volcanoes of a lesser-known western segment of Pakistan are the unexplored Pishin Basin (Qila Saifullah, Babu Cheena, Zhob). These mud volcanoes occur in distinct patterns which is the regional trend of Makran subduction zone and Pishin Basin. These mud volcanoes occur in clusters (Hingol National Park), and follow the regional structural trend of lineaments. Tracing these lineaments can help in the identification of more mud volcanoes. These active mud volcanoes release methane and hydrocarbons along with mud and water and can be identified by changes in the tone, and texture (Ormara) of the satellite image. However, few fossil or extinct mud volcanoes still have eroded (Gwadar) craters and are relatively diminished in size (~50m). They exhibit a wide variety of surface structures extruding gas and sometimes with bubbles having viscous hot fluid of mud. It could signify the presence of hydrocarbons beneath the surface. Chandragup mud volcano is an attractive place for Hindus, as they consider it a holy place. They are also important as a geoheritage and tourist sight and can generate significant revenue. Hingol National Park is a captivating site for those all over the world who adore to grasp nature thoroughly. These are significant as similar settings in other countries like Azerbaijan, Romania and New Zealand hold immense petroleum, geoheritage, geotourism and geothermal potential.