Case No. #1225
Case of Periodic Unidentified Viscous Substance Outflow, Local Environmental Alteration, and Peculiar Geological Activation in Bach Ma National Park, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
Summary
On May 14, 2018, an incident occurred in Bach Ma National Park, central Vietnam, where a hot, black, viscous substance with a peculiar pungent odor began oozing from the ground, rapidly altering the surrounding soil and vegetation. This phenomenon has since been observed at multiple locations with unpredictable periodicity, raising concerns about widespread ecological impact. The collected substance is an unknown mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, its generation mechanism and geological background remain unclear. The authorities have established a long-term monitoring system to investigate the cause.
Details
Around 3:00 PM on May 14, 2018, a forest ranger on patrol in Bach Ma National Park encountered a bizarre sight in a valley where clear streams usually flowed. The surrounding soil had turned reddish-brown, and plants were rapidly dying. A black, highly viscous liquid intermittently gushed from the ground, radiating heat close to 80 degrees Celsius. A strong, sulfur-like pungent odor permeated the area.
This abnormal phenomenon strongly resembled local legends passed down through generations, referred to as the “sick land” or “spring of decay.” Informal historical records occasionally describe instances of water sources unnaturally discoloring or parts of the forest suddenly withering at specific times. The authorities, recognizing the possibility that this incident was not a singular geothermal event, initiated investigations into similar phenomena at multiple sites.
The authorities immediately dispatched a team of experts to conduct detailed on-site investigations. Samples of the gushing viscous liquid and surrounding soil were collected, and ground-penetrating radar and high-sensitivity thermometers were used to attempt to identify the subsurface structure and heat source. However, no clear structures indicating a subterranean heat source were detected; instead, a widespread geological “activation” was suggested.
Laboratory analysis of the collected viscous liquid revealed it to be a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and specific rare earth elements in abnormally high concentrations, previously undiscovered on Earth. Furthermore, the samples demonstrated an unstable nature, undergoing self-decomposition and reconstruction in response to slight changes in the external environment. This phenomenon cannot be explained by conventional geology or biochemistry.
Electronic equipment brought by the investigation team frequently malfunctioned or failed at the site. Unexplained noise was observed, particularly in the high-frequency band, and some measuring instruments experienced data loss. This suggests that the phenomenon itself may be accompanied by localized electromagnetic field anomalies. The authorities hypothesize the existence of an unknown energy source behind the phenomenon.
The phenomenon continues to recur at multiple locations with unpredictable intervals, and the destruction of vegetation and soil contamination around the outflow sites are ongoing. The authorities have established several monitoring points within the park and are continuing long-term environmental monitoring and deep underground exploration. However, neither the mechanism of the phenomenon nor the conditions for its recurrence have yet been elucidated.
Timeline
- May 14, 2018, around 3:00 PMForest ranger discovered the viscous substance outflow in Bach Ma National Park.
- May 15, 2018Park authorities received the initial report and dispatched an on-site investigation team.
- May 17, 2018Authorities' expert team arrived on site, began sample collection and detailed measurements.
- May 28, 2018Laboratory analysis of samples confirmed unknown substances and unstable properties.
- From June 2018 onwardSimilar phenomena recurred periodically at multiple locations, transitioning to long-term monitoring.
Witness Testimony
Forest Ranger Nguyen Van LamWhen I saw that black liquid, it felt like the ground was rotting. It was hot, and had a strange smell. That place always had clear water flowing.
Local Resident DIt has been said since ancient times that there is a sick land deep in the forest. We were taught not to go near it since childhood. I guess it has appeared again this time.
Kyu's Analysis
The generation of inexplicable matter and environmental alteration. This phenomenon transcends mere geological activity. Continuous monitoring and data collection are essential.
