Scientists find mud volcano off Trinidad formed by Venezuela earthquakes

A new mud volcano has appeared off Trinidad's southern coast, a geological phenomenon scientists believe was triggered by the powerful earthquakes that recently struck northeastern Venezuela. The emergence of this volcanic island adds to a series of geological changes observed along the island's coastline. Geoscientist Xavier Moonan confirmed the volcano's location approximately 2.5 kilometers east of Beach Camp in Palo Seco. Rising about 4 meters above the seabed, the structure is primarily composed of soft clay ejected from beneath the ocean floor, interspersed with rock fragments and large calcite-rich rocks that bear a resemblance to coral in some areas. Initial observations indicate that about a third of the newly formed island is already succumbing to wave erosion. "According to initial images, approximately one-third of the island has already been washed away by the waves," Moonan stated. He further indicated that the extrusion of mud was likely a direct consequence of the recent Venezuelan earthquakes. Researchers from the University of the West Indies' Seismic Research Centre, the Institute of Marine Affairs, and the Trinidad-based consultancy ResiLog Limited are currently examining mud samples collected from the site. Their analysis aims to ascertain the age and precise origin of the ejected material. Neil Sookram, from Southwest Adventures, who is credited as the first to spot the island, noted its continuous erosion over the past two days, though the upper part of the island remains stable as the clay begins to harden. This discovery follows closely on the heels of geologists confirming a 6-meter coastal uplift at Galfa Point in Cedros, also attributed to the Venezuelan earthquakes. However, Moonan clarified that the mud island represents a different geological process than the uplift event, which permanently altered sections of Trinidad's southwestern coast. Unlike the uplift at Galfa, the mud volcano formation does not show signs of damage or movement in nearby beaches and cliffs, indicating a distinct mechanism triggered by the same seismic activity.