Case No. #1272
Periodic Outflow of Unknown Viscous Substance, Localized High Temperatures, and Atmospheric Transmittance Fluctuations in Gobustan National Reserve, Azerbaijan
Summary
Since April 12, 2023, an unknown viscous substance has intermittently emerged from the ground in the deep regions of Gobustan National Reserve, southeastern Azerbaijan, causing localized high temperatures and abnormal atmospheric optical properties. This phenomenon was accidentally captured by a geological survey drone and has since reoccurred multiple times. A peculiar phenomenon where the surrounding air shimmers and distant landscapes appear transparent has also been observed simultaneously. Authorities have yet to identify the cause of this incident, which aligns with ancient local traditions and historical records.
Details
On April 12, 2023, at 14:37, a geological survey drone operated by the authorities recorded an anomaly for the first time in an unexplored area of Gobustan National Reserve, where a black, glistening viscous substance erupted from the ground. Simultaneously, the ambient temperature abruptly exceeded 150 degrees Celsius, triggering the drone's thermal sensors. This event began suddenly and subsided rapidly after approximately 20 minutes.
Following the initial report, authorities dispatched an emergency investigation team to the site, establishing a monitoring system over several months. Subsequently, similar phenomena reoccurred three more times on May 2, June 9, and August 21, 2023, albeit sporadically. A peculiar local legend, 'Tears of the Ancient Rock,' speaks of a substance periodically emerging from the earth. It is said to corrode skin upon contact, distort the air, and make distant sights appear transparent. The authority's review of historical documents revealed multiple similar descriptions of ground anomalies in Soviet geological survey reports from the 1930s.
The investigation team attempted to collect samples of the viscous substance during an outflow. However, the special heat-resistant containers instantly melted due to the intense heat, and the substance evaporated, making collection impossible. At this time, a laser rangefinder installed at the site malfunctioned due to an abnormal change in the atmospheric transmittance around it. Furthermore, retrieved drone footage recorded a strange optical phenomenon around the emerging substance, where distant petroglyphs temporarily became translucent, their backgrounds visible through them.
This abnormal change in atmospheric transmittance also affected electromagnetic wave propagation. Communication devices were temporarily inundated with noise, and GPS signals became unstable. Soil samples from the surrounding area revealed an unusually high density of microscopic metallic particles, though a direct correlation with the viscous substance has not been confirmed. Experts suggest a combination of an unknown heat source and atmospheric particulates may be at play, but the mechanism remains unknown.
The substance's outflow was confined to a specific spot, with phenomena observed within an approximately 50-meter radius around it. Immediately after an event, temporary thermal alterations remained on the ground, but within a few hours, the ground returned to its normal rock surface, and traces of the outflow almost completely vanished. This rapid recovery also defies explanation by conventional geological activity.
Authorities are currently meticulously analyzing how this phenomenon correlates with the region's geological structure and past legends. The specific composition of the viscous substance, the periodicity of its occurrence, and the physical factors altering atmospheric transmittance remain unresolved. The incident remains unexplained.
Timeline
- April 12, 2023, 14:37A geological survey drone first recorded an abnormal heat source and the outflow of a viscous substance from the ground.
- April 18, 2023Authorities dispatched an emergency investigation team to the site, establishing a monitoring system.
- May 2, 2023, 08:15A second outflow incident was recorded. The surrounding air distorted, and observation equipment malfunctioned.
- June 9, 2023, 11:00An attempt to collect substance samples failed; heat-resistant containers melted due to extreme heat.
- August 21, 2023, 16:50The phenomenon reoccurred. Drone footage recorded a temporary transparency phenomenon of rock carvings.
Witness Testimony
Geologist SThe sample container was supposed to be heat-resistant. It melted instantly, and the substance evaporated. It reacted unlike any rock sample I've encountered.
Local Resident A (Elder)The 'Tears of the Ancient Rock' occasionally emerge from the earth. Touching it is forbidden. The air shimmers, and sometimes distant views become transparent.
Drone Pilot KWhen the rock face appeared transparent in the footage, I thought it was equipment failure. But that phenomenon was definitely occurring around the substance emerging from the ground.
Kyu's Analysis
The inexplicable heat source, substance generation, and spatial optical anomaly pose a serious problem. This case demands prioritized, ongoing investigation.
