MUD VOLCANO A mud volcano is a geological structure formed by the eruption of mud, water, and gases, instead of molten rock (lava) as seen in typical volcanoes. These eruptions are driven mainly by subsurface pressure from gases such as methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen, which force mud and water upwards through weak zones in the Earth's crust. Mud volcanoes are often associated with areas of tectonic activity, subduction zones, and hydrocarbon-rich sedimentary basins. FORMATION