Berca Mud Volcanoes

Muddy volcanoes are relief formations created by natural gas that come out from depths of 3,000 meters and that on the way to the surface entrain groundwater or infiltrate the clay that makes up the soil of the area. Gases push water and clay to the surface at lower or higher speeds. Once on the surface, the clay dries giving rise to volcanic cones. The whole mixture is cold and the predominant gas is not flammable; a slightly pungent, sulphurous odor may appear. In Romania, the most famous and spectacular mud volcanoes are those in the area Beciu - Scortoasa - Paclele - Berca, in the Buzau Subcarpathians. Paclele Hill is a form of relief near which, to the west, we find the Muddy Volcanoes, a hill oriented on the north - south direction. The whole area of ​​the volcanoes is bordered to the south by the Buzau Valley and to the west by the Policiori - Scortoasa depression.

These stones are creations of nature that have received a lot of explanations and theories, to which many legends and attributes have been associated. In fact, we are talking about accumulations of sand, sandstones and cemented marls, arranged in a circle and formed in the depths of the earth, in the groundwater, millions of years ago. The type of waters and marine animals that contributed to their formation, the process itself, the place where they formed and how they came to us are topics of discussion on the spot. So are some of the legends that accompany them. Some say they are moving and the unanimous opinion is that they are growing every year. The most impressive is their regular shape, perfectly round or oval and the resemblance to eggs or huge shells. It is a destination for the whole family. The physical effort is not big but we climb a hillside, the route being accessible to children. They benefit from reduced visiting rates and their curiosity will be fully satisfied.