India’s volcanic history dates back to 500 million years ago

India has a long history of volcanoes, dating back to the Precambrian era, over 500 million years ago. However, there are only a few volcanoes that are active or dormant today. The other volcanoes in India are all considered to be dormant or extinct. These include Narcondam Island, which last erupted in 1681; Baratang Island, which has been active in recent years but is not considered to be a threat to human life; and the Deccan Plateau, which was the site of a massive eruption about 66 million years ago that is believed to have wiped out the dinosaurs.

The only active volcano in South Asia

The only confirmed active volcano in India is Barren Island, which is located in the Andaman Islands. The first recorded eruption of Barren Island was in 1787, and there have been several smaller eruptions since then. The most recent eruption was in 2017.

There are several reasons why Barren Island is the most well-known and prominent volcanic site. Barren Island is unique because it is currently the only active volcano in India. While other areas might have volcanic rocks or remnants of past volcanic activity, Barren Island is the only location where ongoing eruptions have been observed in recent history.

Geographical features

The volcano on Barren Island rises from the seabed and forms an island. This isolated environment allows for clearer observation and monitoring of volcanic activity compared to mainland locations where volcanic activity might be more concealed.

The island’s geological features like the presence of a central crater and the shape of the island itself, make it a notable and distinct volcanic site too.

The complex nature

India’s intricate volcanic history is a result of complex geological processes and tectonics that have shaped the region over millions of years. This complexity arises from various key factors. First, India’s movement away from Gondwana and subsequent collision with the Eurasian Plate about 150 million years ago gave rise to the Himalayas and instigated intense geological activity, including volcanic events.

Second, the influence of hotspot activity like the Reunion hotspot, generated concentrated zones of volcanic activity, contributing to formations like the Deccan Traps in western India.

Lesser known facts

1.       The volcano on Barren Island is largely submarine. This unique feature also makes it one of the few active submarine volcanoes in the Indian Ocean.

2.       The island has diverse flora and fauna, including nesting seabirds and a significant population of the endangered Nicobar Megapode, a ground-dwelling bird species.

3.       The volcano primarily erupts basaltic lava, which is relatively low in viscosity.

4.       The volcano’s summit is about 354 meters (1,161 feet) above sea level.

5.       The volcano has a history of eruptions dating back to at least 1787, making it one of the oldest historically documented eruptions in the world.