A volcano thought to be the smallest in the world has been discovered – and it’s just 60cm tall.
The geological phenomenon was found by shocked locals.
The small volcano-shaped mound was emitting unknown gases and materials.
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It covered an area of field in a grey clay-like substance in the village of Cusco in the southeast of Lima, southern Peru.
Standing at a height of around 60cm, villagers proclaimed it the “smallest volcano in the world.”
It was found on Sunday (6 Jul).
Wearing a traditional poncho, community leader, Arturo Mamani, dubbed it ‘The Eagle’s Eye’.
Mamani and his family left offerings of coca leaves at the base as a gesture of respect.
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The mountain village hit the headlines the following day, attracting a growing number of curious onlookers.
After learning of the unusual mound, the authorities cordoned off the area and called in a team of experts, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Hernando Tavera, head of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), said The Eagle’s Eye is not a volcanic vent, but rather a small cone of earth, clay and water known as a mud volcano.
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He said it is a natural structure through which mud, water, and dissolved gases emerge from the subsoil without the presence of magma or volcanic activity.
Tavera explained: “This type of phenomenon occurs when gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and others make their way to the surface and carry clay sediments mixed with groundwater.
“The result is a mound with a central hole, a cone with a crater, which leads to it being considered a ‘volcano’ due to its shape.
“However, its origin, type of activity, and the materials it emits bear no relation to the active volcanoes found in the south of the country.”
Although it does not pose a volcanic risk, Tavera warned that it could negatively impact the environment, causing potential contamination of nearby water sources and crops.
As a result, the IGP is continuing to monitor the mud volcano, also known as a mud dome, to determine if it poses any kind of risk to the local community.
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