UPSC Current Affairs
ERUPTION OF INDIA’S ONLY MUD VOLCANO
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. A mud volcano is a geological formation where mud, water, and gases (mainly methane) erupt to the surface through geological fissures.
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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. A mud volcano is a geological formation where mud, water, and gases (mainly methane) erupt to the surface through geological fissures.
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
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Environment, Polity & Governance.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to ERUPTION OF INDIA’S ONLY MUD VOLCANO, consider the following statements:
- 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.
- A mud volcano is a geological formation where mud, water, and gases (mainly methane) erupt to the surface through geological fissures.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of ERUPTION OF INDIA’S ONLY MUD VOLCANO for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- Why in News?
- WHAT IS MUD VOLCANO?
- KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- LOCATION: BARATANG, A&N ISLANDS
- ERUPTION DETAILS
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Eruption Of India’S Only Mud Volcano in the 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 are the key facts about Eruption Of India’S Only 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…
Why is Eruption Of India’S Only Mud Volcano important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Environment, Polity & Governance and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.