Barren Island, located ~135 km northeast of Port Blair in the Andaman Sea, is India’s only active volcano and the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia. It is a critical component of the Andaman-Nicobar volcanic arc, part of the larger Sunda Arc system.
Geological and Geographical Profile
- Tectonic Setting: Formed at a convergent boundary where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Burmese Microplate (part of the Eurasian Plate) at the Sunda Trench.
- Structure: A stratovolcano (alternating layers of lava, tephra, and ash) with a diameter of ~3 km and a 2 km wide caldera.
- Elevation: The central volcanic cone reaches ~354 meters above sea level; the bulk of the structure is submerged.
- Activity: After nearly 200 years of dormancy, it reawakened in 1991. It exhibits Strombolian eruptions (episodic, low-energy explosions of lava/ash).
Monitoring and Research
- ISRO: Monitors thermal anomalies and hotspots using INSAT and Resourcesat sensors.
- GSI: Conducts field expeditions and bathymetric mapping.
- NIO: Utilizes research vessels for sub-surface seismic monitoring and hydrothermal vent detection.
- Restriction: The island is uninhabited and off-limits to the public; landing requires special permits due to volcanic hazards.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Narcondam Island: Located north of Barren Island; it is classified as an extinct/dormant volcano.
- Sunda Arc: A volcanic chain starting from Myanmar (Mt. Popa), passing through the Andamans, and connecting to the Indonesian chain (Krakatoa, Tambora).
- Geothermal Potential: High thermal signatures indicate significant untapped geothermal energy potential in the surrounding seabed.