Far-Field Earthquake-Induced Crustal Deformation and Mud Volcano Activity in Azerbai-jan based on the InSAR Technique

Azerbaijan is known as one of the hydrocarbon-rich regions for its extensive mud vol- 14 canoes and complex tectonic settings. In this research, we analyzed a long-term InSAR time series 15 from Sentinel-1 SAR data spanning January 2017 to October 2024, which revealed the dynamics 16 of active deformation and mud volcanoes. The study area, with its unique geological complexity 17 characterized by rapid eruptions, subsurface pressure, and fault systems, is a one-of-a-kind natural 18 laboratory for examining the interplay between tectonics and mud volcano activity. Based on ex- 19 tensive data collection, results showed significant deformation on the primary mud volcanoes, such 20 as Ayazakhtarma and Akhtarma-Pashaly. These patterns, characterized by observed subsidence and 21 uplift, result from subsurface pressure fluctuations and hydrocarbon migration. Furthermore, the 22 examination has demonstrated evidence of temporal deformation episodes intricately linked to the 23 periodic buildup and release of subsurface pressures. A significant result of our study was the re- 24 activation of faults and high deformation rate in almost all observed mud volcanoes during the 25 February 2023 Türkiye Kahramanmaraş earthquakes (Mw 7.8 and 7.6). This dynamic far-field trig- 26 gering effect reactivated faults and induced widespread deformation. This study indicates that the 27 far-field triggering effect has uncovered deformation patterns that persist for several months after 28 the earthquakes, reflecting prolonged subsurface adjustments. These findings indicate that mud 29 volcanoes are subsurface fluid dynamics and tectonic stress indicators and have significant practi- 30 cal implications. These results offer necessary insights into the reaction of hydrocarbon-rich re- 31 gions to seismic energy, which can be directly applied to improve regional seismic hazard assess- 32 ments and tectonic studies. By combining different geodetic data with geological interpretations, 33 this work emphasizes the implication of monitoring hydrocarbon-rich regions like Azerbaijan to 34 assess natural hazards and subsurface dynamics, making the research highly relevant and applica- ble