Baratang Island

India's only mud volcano, located on Baratang Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has erupted once again, drawing attention both for its unique geological phenomenon and its significance as a tourist destination.

About Baratang Island

Location: Baratang Island is situated in the North and Middle Andaman district, approximately 150 km from Port Blair. It’s part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Mud Volcano: The island is home to India’s only mud volcano, which makes it a popular tourist spot. This natural wonder has intrigued visitors due to its rare geological formations.
Jarawa Tribe: Baratang Island is also inhabited by the Jarawa tribe, one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their distinct cultural heritage and close connection with the environment.

What is a Mud Volcano?

Mud volcanoes are geological formations created when mud, water, and gases (mainly methane, and sometimes carbon dioxide or nitrogen) are forced to the surface from underground chambers. Unlike traditional volcanoes, mud volcanoes do not erupt lava but instead release mud slurries that can form cone-like structures.

Characteristics of Mud Volcanoes:

Formation: Mud volcanoes are formed through tectonic activity, where pressure builds up and causes mud, water, and gas to be expelled through the earth’s crust.
Size: These volcanoes can vary in size, ranging from 1 to 2 meters to 700 meters in height, and can span from 1 to 10 kilometers in width.
Global Presence: Mud volcanoes exist not only on land but also beneath the sea, where they can form underwater banks and islands that alter coastal topography.

Mud Volcanoes Around the World

While rare in the Indian subcontinent, mud volcanoes are found in various parts of the world:

Azerbaijan: Home to some of the largest mud volcanoes in the world.
Italy: Features mud volcanoes, notably in the Campi Flegrei region near Naples.
USA: In California, mud volcanoes are present in places like Mono Lake.

Conclusion

The mud volcano on Baratang Island continues to be a fascinating natural wonder that attracts both scientific study and tourism. As India’s only active mud volcano, it offers unique insights into the processes of the Earth’s surface and adds to the biodiversity and ecological uniqueness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Source: THE HINDU

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