The emergence of a new hill, referred to by local residents as a \u2018new\nmountain\u2019 in Grobogan Regency, Central Java, has become a subject of\nintense discussion on social media. Many have questioned whether the\nphenomenon is linked to volcanic activity or the birth of a new volcano\nin Java.<\/p>\n
During the event, large mounds of earth were captured in videos and\nphotos circulating online, showing eruptions of earth resembling\nvolcanic activity. This unusual occurrence has sparked widespread\nspeculation, particularly as it follows a magnitude 6.5 earthquake on 22\nMarch 2024.<\/p>\n
Responding to the commotion, the Head of the Geological Agency of the\nMinistry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Wafid A.N, clarified\nthat the mound in Grobogan is a mud volcano. The mound stands\napproximately 25 metres above ground level. Its formation was caused by\nnatural gas rising to the surface through a vertical strike-slip fault\n(conduit), carrying mud with a lower density than the surrounding\nsediment, according to the official EGSA UGM website.<\/p>\n
According to research cited by EGSA UGM, various materials such as\nmud, gas, rocks, sulphur, salt, and water are ejected to the surface,\nforming a cone-like structure similar to a mountain. The recent\nearthquake caused the migration of hydrocarbons and mud to become more\nactive due to fractures or faults resulting from shallow seismic\nactivity, forcing hot mud to erupt with significant force.<\/p>\n
EGSA UGM noted that mud volcanoes in Groboge are not an extraordinary\nincident, as they occur frequently in the region. The anomaly is\nattributed to rocks undergoing longitudinal faulting from the southwest\nto the northeast, allowing gas to escape to the Earth\u2019s surface through\npermeable rock.<\/p>\n
Regarding the risks, while mud volcanoes are not as explosive as\ntraditional volcanoes, their eruptions impact the surrounding area,\nspecifically causing damage to local farmland. Furthermore, the periodic\nand shifting eruptions of hot mud can destroy crops and fields. There is\nalso a significant health risk from toxic gases such as hydrogen\nsulphide and carbon dioxide, which can be dangerous if inhaled in high\nconcentrations. Hydrogen sulphide, which smells like rotten eggs, can\ncause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, while high\nconcentrations of carbon dioxide can lead to shortness of breath,\ndizziness, or even death.<\/p>\n
The government is expected to provide alternative solutions for\nresidents who have lost their livelihoods due to agricultural damage.\nHowever, the phenomenon also presents opportunities for the local\ncommunity in the tourism and creative industries. The mud contains\nvaluable minerals such as lithium, kaolinite, and calcite, alongside\nunique microorganisms like halophilic bacteria, making it a promising\nmaterial for industrial and environmental conservation applications.\nFurther research and sustainable technology development could maximise\nthese benefits for both society and the environment.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the mud volcano serves as a significant research site\nfor geologists, biologists, and environmental scientists to study\nchemical compositions and Earth\u2019s crust processes, potentially\nuncovering valuable information regarding natural resource potential and\napplications in agriculture, energy, or health.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/new-mountain-emerges-in-java-spewing-hot-mud-and-toxic-gas-1780881549", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }