Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a mud volcano in Venezuela, whose formation is attributed to recent seismic activity in the region. The information was validated by geologist Xavier Moonan and reported to EFE.
Location and composition of the volcano
This volcano is located approximately 2.5 kilometers east of Beach Camp, in Palo Seco, and 3.3 kilometers east of the Anglais Point Mud Volcano. With an approximate height of four meters above sea level, it is primarily composed of soft clay expelled from the seabed, mixed with rock fragments and large calcite-rich blocks that, in some areas, resemble coral.
Erosion and cause of extrusion
Xavier Moonan observed that the small islet where the volcano emerged is already subject to erosion processes caused by wave action. He reported that, according to initial images, approximately one-third of the island has already been washed away by the sea. The geologist emphasized that it is highly probable that this mud extrusion was triggered by the earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela.
Scientific analysis and other discoveries
To determine the age and origin of the material, mud samples were collected at the site and are currently under analysis by several entities: the Seismic Research Center of the University of the West Indies, the Institute of Marine Affairs, and the consultant ResiLog Limited, based in Trinidad. Neil Sookram, a member of the Southwest Adventures group and reportedly the first to spot the island, informed EFE about the island's continuous erosion over the past two days, mentioning that the top remained intact while the clay began to harden.
This discovery comes just days after geologists confirmed that the same earthquakes caused a six-meter coastal uplift at Galfa Point, in Cedros. This event resulted in part of the seabed being displaced above sea level, permanently modifying sectors of the southwest coast of Trinidad. However, Xavier Moonan clarified that, unlike the case of Galfa, the new mud island results from a distinct geological mechanism.