ERUPTION OF INDIA’S ONLY MUD VOLCANO
Why in News?
- On October 2, 2025, India’s only mud volcano located at Baratang in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands erupted after over two decades of dormancy.
- The last reported major eruption at this site was in 2005.
WHAT IS MUD VOLCANO?
- A mud volcano is a geological formation where mud, water, and gases (mainly methane) erupt to the surface through geological fissures.
- Unlike traditional igneous volcanoes, mud volcanoes do not emit lava, but instead release slurries of mud, often accompanied by gases and steam.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature | Mud Volcano |
| Composition | Mud, water, gases (methane, CO₂, N₂) |
| Heat | Lower temperatures than igneous volcanoes |
| Ejecta | No lava – only mud, gas, and water |
| Size Range | From a few meters to 700 m high and up to 10 km wide |
| Also known as | Mud Domes |
| Formation Cause | Decaying organic matter + tectonic activity |
| Common Locations | Subduction zones, petroleum basins |
LOCATION: BARATANG, A&N ISLANDS
| Parameter | Details |
| District | North and Middle Andaman |
| Distance from Port Blair | ~150 km |
| Eruption Site | Jarwa Creek, Baratang |
| Accessibility | Major tourist spot (currently closed for safety) |
| Volcano Type | Mud Volcano (not igneous) |
ERUPTION DETAILS
- Erupted with a deafening sound around 1:30 PM.
- Created an earth mound of 3–4 metres.
- Mud and smoke have covered over 1,000 sq metres.
- Eruption is still active.
- Tourist movement suspended, forest routes closed.
- Local administration, forest and geological teams are monitoring the site.
RELATED EVENT: BARREN ISLAND ERUPTION (SEPTEMBER 2025)
- Minor volcanic activity observed on Sept 13 and 20 at Barren Island, India’s only active volcanic island.
- Located ~140 km from Port Blair.
- Eruption history: 1787, 1991, 2005, 2017, 2022.
- Situated on Indian-Burmese tectonic plate junction.
- Uninhabited; nearest settlements: Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Narcondam Island.
MUD VOLCANO V/S IGNEOUS VOLCANO
| Feature | Mud Volcano (Baratang) | Igneous Volcano (Barren Island) |
| Composition | Mud, gas, water | Molten lava, ash |
| Temperature | Relatively low | Extremely high |
| Eruption Cause | Organic decomposition + tectonics | Magma movement |
| Eruption Frequency | Rare | More frequent in recent years |
| Tourist Access | Baratang accessible (closed now) | Barren is restricted |
GEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
- Part of Indian Plate’s interaction zone with Burmese Plate.
- Located in high seismic and tectonic activity zone.
- Helps scientists study:
- Gas emissions
- Organic matter decay
- Tectonic pressures
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