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ERUPTION OF INDIA’S ONLY MUD VOLCANO from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

By : Author Desk Updated : 2025-10-04 11:42:44

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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