Carp Mountain Mud Volcano Introduction
Liushidan Mountain, as the name suggests, is named for its shape resembling a carp. In earlier times, it was also known as "Gunsan" because spring water would gush from the mountain's peak. The first recorded eruption of mud from Liushidan Mountain is said to have occurred over a century ago during the Qing Dynasty. Since then, it has exhibited intermittent eruptions, and starting from the 77th year of the Republic of China, it has erupted almost annually, even shifting the eruption site from the mountain peak to the plains. From a geological perspective, the presence of natural gas, oil, water, and mud underground means that when energy accumulates to a certain level, it will burst through the fissures in the earth's crust. Liushidan Mountain is situated on an unstable fault line, which creates the stunning spectacle of mud eruptions. During these eruptions, the abundant natural gas mixes with the mud, and when ignited, creates towering columns of fire rising several meters high, producing a spectacular scene. In recent years, the eruption points of the mud volcano have been located around the Huangyuan Holy Temple. According to religious beliefs, this temple was built under divine instruction, and in the hall of the temple hangs a photo of the eruption, known as "Golden Dragon Apparition," captured during the volcanic activity. This adds a touch of legend to this natural wonder. Interestingly, the mud volcano's eruption vents are not far from the temple. Although the Huangyuan Holy Temple is surrounded by flowing mud during each eruption, the structure remains unscathed and undamaged. The mud volcano is in a state of unpredictable eruptions, and even if one does not get to witness the spectacular eruption of Liushidan Mountain, the unique landscape left behind by the mud eruptions and mud pits is still worth exploring.
