India’s only active volcano, Barren Island in the Andaman Sea, has sprung to life with two minor eruptions recorded within just eight days. Officials confirmed that the eruptions occurred on September 13 and September 20, underscoring the volatile nature of this remote island.
Located 135-140 kilometers northeast of Sri Vijaya Puram, Barren Island remains uninhabited but scientifically significant. Rising 354 meters above sea level, the volcano forms part of a much larger submerged structure that extends nearly 2,250 meters to the seabed, making it one of the region’s most dramatic geological features.
Authorities believe the twin eruptions may have been triggered by seismic activity, with a regional earthquake potentially disturbing the volcano’s underground system. While the incidents were categorized as minor, experts stress that even small eruptions contribute to a centuries-old record of activity that continues to intrigue geologists.
The volcano has erupted intermittently in modern history, with notable events in 1991, 2004, 2005, 2017, and 2022. These episodes have placed Barren Island firmly on the radar of earth scientists, who view it as a natural laboratory for studying volcanic processes in the Indian subcontinent.
Despite its frequent rumblings, Barren Island remains devoid of human settlement, its harsh environment marked by ash fields, solidified lava flows, and sulfurous fumes. This untouched state has preserved its raw geological character, offering researchers rare insights into a dynamic volcanic system.
Geologists monitoring the site say the eruptions, though minor, are reminders of the powerful forces shaping the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The combination of underwater and above-sea activity makes Barren Island particularly significant for understanding the region’s tectonic and volcanic behavior.
Officials emphasized that there is no immediate threat to populated areas, given the island’s isolation. However, the ongoing monitoring underscores the importance of keeping track of natural activity in the seismically sensitive Andaman Sea.
Barren Island thus remains both a scientific focal point and a symbol of the unpredictable power of nature, a stark reminder that beneath the calm waters of the Andaman Sea lies one of India’s most restless geological giants.
