Why in the news?

  • India’s only  mud volcano erupted on the Baratang island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago on October 2 after a gap of two decades

Mud Volcano

  • Definition: A geological formation where mud, water, and gases (like methane) erupt to the surface, forming cones or craters.
  • Formation
    • Subsurface Gas Accumulation: Gases build pressure in underground sediment layers.
    • Hydrothermal Activity: The interaction of water and heat pushes mud and gases to the surface.
    • Eruption: Mud and gases escape through cracks or vents.
  • Features
    • Composition: Mud, water, methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
    • Temperature: Cool or warm (not hot like magma).
    • Eruption Patterns: Slow bubbling to explosive outbursts, depending on gas pressure.
  • Global Distribution in Asia
    • India: Baratang Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    • Azerbaijan: Caspian Sea region.
    • Pakistan: Hingol National Park, Baluchistan.