In Wandan, southern Taiwan, a mud volcano suddenly erupted, spewing jets of mud beneath a crown of flames. The rare and spectacular phenomenon occurred right in front of a temple, drawing attention from both locals and scientists.
A mud volcano erupting in Kamchatka, Russia.
Credit: Anzhela Kolentsionok via Getty Images
The eruption lasted nearly ten hours. Four vents released thick, hot mud, reaching heights of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters), according to
Formosa Television News. Videos filmed by the temple caretaker show the scene: gushing mud and flames dancing above the ground, deliberately ignited by locals to burn off the released methane.
Unlike magmatic volcanoes, mud volcanoes eject neither lava nor ash. They expel water, mud, and gases under high underground pressure. Methane is often a major component, explaining the appearance of flames when this gas is ignited at the surface.
The Wandan site is known for its activity. Ten episodes have been recorded in just three years. This latest eruption partially flooded the temple entrance but caused no injuries.
How do mud volcanoes form?
Mud volcanoes appear when underground fluids—often water and gases—are pushed to the surface through sediments. Pressure, which can build up from organic matter decomposition or geothermal activity, eventually causes the ground to rupture.
The result: jets of mineral-rich mud, sometimes accompanied by flammable gases. These phenomena are generally low-risk but can alter landscapes or damage nearby infrastructure.
Some mud volcanoes are linked to oil or natural gas deposits, making them important subjects of study for geology and energy research.
Why is the emitted methane burned?
Methane is a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO₂. When burned, it transforms into carbon dioxide, which is less harmful to the climate. In Wandan, locals deliberately ignite it to limit environmental impact and avoid explosion risks.
Burning methane also makes the phenomenon visible, turning the eruption into a striking spectacle. However, this practice requires caution to prevent accidents.