A 60cm-tall mud volcano in Cusco, Peru.
Share this @internewscast.com

A VOLCANO touted as the smallest in the world has been discovered – and it’s shorter than a set of cricket stumps.

Mysterious substances were found oozing out of the tiny geological formation in the city of Cusco, southern Peru.

A 60cm-tall mud volcano in Cusco, Peru.
A mound, touted as the world’s smallest volcano, was discovered near Cusco in PeruCredit: Jam Press
People observing a small mud volcano in Peru.
The feature generated a lot of interest, so had to be cordoned offCredit: Jam Press
Close-up of a mud volcano's crater.
It has a crater, just like classic volcanoes, which was emitting gas and substancesCredit: Jam Press
Map showing the location of Peru's "world's smallest volcano" near Cusco, and a close-up photo of the volcano.

A group of locals stumbled across a raised, blackened mound around 60cm tall in the Peruvian mountains.

It looks like a small pimple in the earth‘s crust.

It has a shallow conical shape – just like classic volcanoes – and a crater at the peak.

Material has evidently been seeping from the top and down the sides, before solidifying to form a hard, dark casing.

The whole structure stretches over just a few square metres.

Locals reported that gases and other unknown substances were seeping from the mouth.

The villagers promptly declared it the “smallest volcano in the world”.

Wearing a traditional poncho, community leader, Arturo Mamani, dubbed it “The Eagle’s Eye”.

Mamani and his family left traditional offerings of coca leaves at the base as a gesture of respect.

The mountain town hit the headlines the following day, and a growing number of curious spectators visited to take a look.

Mount Lewotobi volcano erupts sending 60,000ft ash column skywards

After learning of the extraordinary feature, the authorities cordoned off the area and called in the experts.

Hernando Tavera, who leads the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), clarified that The Eagle’s Eye is not truly a volcanic vent. Instead, it is a mud volcano, which is a small formation composed of earth, clay, and water.

He said it is a natural structure where mud, water, and dissolved gases emerge from lower levels of soil.

It does not involve magma or any volcanic activity.

Tavera described how this phenomenon happens: “It occurs when gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and others rise to the surface, bringing along clay sediments that mix 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.”

While it doesn’t present a volcanic threat, Tavera cautioned that it might harm the environment, potentially leading to contamination of nearby water resources and agricultural areas.

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.

Mud volcano in Cusco, Peru.
It is in fact a ‘mud volcano’, where mud, water and dissolved gases emerge from subterranean soil layersCredit: Jam Press
Community members stand behind caution tape surrounding a small mud volcano.
An expert has since explained there is no volcanic activity or magma in the ‘mud volcano’Credit: Jam Press
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Mariners' Cal Raleigh hits 37th, 38th homers to move within one of Barry Bonds' pace

Cal Raleigh of the Mariners Slugs 37th and 38th Home Runs, Approaching Barry Bonds’ Record Pace

DETROIT — Cal Raleigh launched his 37th and 38th home runs, closing…
Mandatory evacuation orders in effect as 1,000-acre wildfire threatens Grand Canyon's North Rim

Evacuation Orders Issued as 1,000-Acre Wildfire Nears Grand Canyon’s North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is temporarily closed as mandatory…
Woman in hospital bed recovering from dog attack.

Woman, 55, Attacked by Dogs While Delivering Uber Eats Order – Dogs Grabbed Her Head

A GRAN was left seriously injured after being mauled by two dogs…
Chicago crime: Lontray Clark charged with murder, arson after 4 killed in West Side apartment fire on North Avenue, police say

Chicago Crime: Lontray Clark Faces Murder and Arson Charges in Fatal West Side Apartment Fire on North Avenue

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suspect is facing multiple charges after four people…
South River, New Jersey police officers save 1-year-old choking child, body camera video shows

Heroic South River Police Officers Rescue Choking Toddler in Heart-Pounding Bodycam Footage

SOUTH RIVER, N.J. — Police officers in New Jersey jumped into action…
High-rise building engulfed in smoke and fire.

17-Storey Towerblock Engulfed in Flames, Sending Massive Smoke Plumes Skyward as 70 Firefighters Battle the Blaze

A WOMAN has been rushed to hospital and others treated at the…
Darius Miles set for trial Dec. 1 in Tuscaloosa shooting

Darius Miles’ Trial for Tuscaloosa Shooting Scheduled for December 1

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles is scheduled to…
Andre Agassi snaps at commentator over celebrity Wimbledon questions

Andre Agassi Responds Firmly to Commentator’s Celebrity Wimbledon Inquiries

Andre Agassi is at Wimbledon to talk tennis, not to fawn over…
Waycross community mourns teens after tragic lightning strike

Waycross Community Grieves for Teens After Devastating Lightning Strike

“Every time a lightning flash we just think that’s Randall’s picture up…
President Trump speaking to the press.

Why Donald Trump Won’t Speak at UK Parliament During State Visit, Unlike Macron

DONALD Trump won’t address parliament on his state visit to the UK…

‘Police Chief Father Abused Me for Over a Decade in Disturbing Cult That Traumatized Me as a Child’

THE daughter of a police chief claims her dad raped her for…
Country singer Conner Smith involved in Nashville crash, killing pedestrian

Emerging Country Artist Conner Smith Cited Following Deadly Accident in Nashville

Police indicated Smith showed no signs of impairment at the time of…