Digital News Guru Environment Desk:
Barren Island Volcano Stirs Again: Minor Eruptions Reported
India’s lone active volcano, Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea, has exhibited renewed volcanic activity. On September 13 and September 20, 2025, two minor eruptions took place, according to official sources. While the activity has been described as mild and posing no immediate threat, the events are a reminder of the island’s volcanism, which is closely monitored by Indian geological agencies.
Where Is Barren Island & What Is Its Significance
Barren Island is located roughly 140 kilometres by sea from Port Blair in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This remote island is uninhabited. As per geological data, it is the only confirmed active volcano in India and South Asia, standing at an elevation of about 354 meters above sea level, covering around 3 square kilometres of land.
Geologically, Barren Island sits at a tectonic juncture—where the Indian Plate interacts with the Burmese Plate. Its volcanic activity is part of the arc of volcanoes stretching from Sumatra up through Myanmar. The island is composed of volcanic cones, ash deposits, and lava flows, with a caldera that is open toward the west.
Recent Activity: Details & Characteristics
- The recent eruptions on 13 September and 20 September were declared “mild” by authorities. There were no reports of major lava flows, large ash columns, or danger to human life or nearby infrastructure.
- Because the island is uninhabited, the risk to human life is minimal. However, scientists and officials are keeping watch to ensure that any escalation is detected promptly.
Historical Eruptions & Pattern of Activity
Barren Island has erupted many times over its recorded history. Key past eruption years include 1787, 1991, 2005, 2017, and 2022. After long dormant periods, activity tends to recur, often in mild to moderate style (ash, lava flows, steam plumes).
In 1991, for example, the eruption had negative effects on the island’s limited wildlife populations. Though few animals and plants survive in the harsh conditions, even mild volcanic activity can disrupt fragile ecosystems.
Satellite monitoring and geological surveys have tracked the morphology of the volcano over time—for instance, the shape and size of its crater cones, lava flow paths, ash deposition, and thermal anomalies.
Why the Island Is Uninhabited, and What Lives There
Despite being one of nature’s dramatic phenomena, Barren Island is uninhabited due to several reasons:
- The terrain is rugged, volcanic, largely barren (hence the name), with ash, lava, and minimal soil, making human settlement difficult.
- The volcano is active, which carries inherent risks.
Still, life persists in challenging forms: some birds (e.g. pigeons), small mammals (rodents), bats, and even goats have been recorded. There are water springs that enable survival of some species, despite sparse vegetation and difficult terrain.
Scientific Monitoring & Response
Agencies in India—the Geological Survey of India, the Andaman & Nicobar administration among others—are actively monitoring Barren Island. Key surveillance includes satellite imagery, seismic monitoring, thermal anomaly detection, and possibly aerial or marine surveys when accessible.
Because of its remote position, real-time monitoring is tougher, but the mildness of recent eruptions has so far made them manageable. The data gathered contribute to understanding eruption patterns, possible warning signs, and the volcano’s behaviour.
Potential Implications
While current activity is mild and no danger is anticipated for nearby human populations or marine traffic, there are some implications worth considering:
- Aviation & Shipping Hazards
Even small eruptions can produce ash clouds. Depending on wind direction and altitude, ash can interfere with flight paths or impact marine navigation. Continuous monitoring of ash emissions is critical. - Environmental Effects
Ash deposition can affect marine life, vegetation (as minimal as it is), and alter the island’s geomorphology. It could also temporarily affect air quality in localized zones. - Scientific Knowledge Gains
Each eruption, however small, adds data to volcanology: how Barren Island erupts, periodicity, lava vs. ash productions, interaction with seas, and tectonic triggers. These help in refining risk assessments. - Tourism / Public Interest
Though the island is uninhabited, the spectacle of volcanic activity draws interest. Videos or reports may create curiosity about the natural phenomenon; however access is limited due to remoteness and safety.
What to Watch For Going Forward
To understand whether these mild eruptions are isolated or part of a larger cycle of increased activity, scientists will be looking for:
- Increases in seismic tremors beneath the island
- Larger ash emissions or sustained lava flows
- Changes in thermal anomaly signatures from satellites
- Any signs of eruption escalation (vent widening, volume increase)
- Weather and wind patterns that might carry ash to inhabited areas
Authorities will likely maintain alerts and monitor changes to ensure early warning if the volcano becomes more active.
Conclusion
The two recent eruptions at Barren Island in mid-September 2025 are mild in nature but serve as reminders of Earth’s dynamic geologic forces, especially in tectonically active zones. While immediate risk is low and the remote, uninhabited nature of Barren Island buffers human impact, monitoring remains essential. These events offer valuable scientific insights into volcanic behaviour, contributing to our ability to anticipate future activity. For most of us, these eruptions will remain in the realm of spectator’s awe—pictures, satellite images, and scientific reports—rather than alarm.
You May Also Read: India Launches ‘Cold Start’ – Biggest Drone & Counter-Drone Exercise in October 2025
