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List of Volcanoes in India

Last Updated : 01 Apr, 2024
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India, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, harbors a geological treasure trove—volcanoes. Welcome to the world of volcanoes in India! While you might not think of India as a place full of volcanoes like in adventure movies, a few of these fiery mountains are hidden away here.

In this article, we’ll look at the volcanoes that call India home. From the sizzling eruptions of Barren Island to the ancient beauty of Narcondam, get ready to explore the volcanic wonders of our incredible country!

List of Volcanoes in India

Name

Elevation

Location

Last Eruption

Type

Meters

Feet

Coordinates

State

Barren Island 354 1161 12.278°N 93.858°E Andaman Islands Active since 2021 Stratovolcano, Active
Narcondam 710 2329 13.43°N 94.28°E Andaman Islands 1681 Stratovolcano, Dormant
Deccan Plateau 1500 4920 18.51°N 73.43°E Central India 25 Mya(Million years ago) Caldera
Baratang Island 532 1745 12.07°N 92.47°E Andaman Islands Active since 2003 Mud volcanoes, Active
Dhinodhar Hills 386 1266.4 23.45°N 69.34°E Gujarat 500 Mya (Million years ago) Extinct
Dhosi Hill 740 2427 28.06°N 76.03°E Haryana 750 Mya (Million years ago) Extinct
Tosham Hills 207 679 28.88°N 75.92°E Haryana 732 Mya (Million years ago) Extinct
Loktak Lake 768 2519.04 24.45°N 93.47°E Manipur 100 Mya (Million years ago) Supervolcanic caldera, status unknown

List of Volcanoes in India Map

colcanoes-in-india-1

List of Volcanoes in India

Different Types of Volcanoes

India is not traditionally associated with volcanic activity, and it does not have any active volcanoes. However, there are some regions in India that contain volcanic features or remnants of ancient volcanic activity. Here are the main types of volcanoes that can be found in India:

  1. Shield Volcanoes: Shield volcanoes are characterized by broad, gently sloping profiles and are formed by the eruption of low-viscosity basaltic lava flows. While there are no active shield volcanoes in India, the Deccan Traps in the western part of the country are remnants of extensive shield volcano activity that occurred around 60 million years ago.
  2. Stratovolcanoes (Composite Volcanoes): Stratovolcanoes are steep-sided, conical volcanoes built up by alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and volcanic rocks. These volcanoes are associated with explosive eruptions due to the buildup of gas pressure. While there are no active stratovolcanoes in India, the Barren Island volcano in the Andaman Sea is a subduction zone stratovolcano and the only active volcano in India.
  3. Calderas: Calderas are large, basin-shaped depressions formed by the collapse of the ground following a volcanic eruption. The Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is a saline soda lake located within a basaltic impact crater, likely formed by a meteorite impact rather than volcanic activity. However, it is sometimes referred to as a volcanic crater due to its similar appearance.
  4. Volcanic Plateaus: Volcanic plateaus are large, flat areas formed by the accumulation of lava flows over time. The Deccan Plateau in India is a volcanic plateau primarily composed of basaltic lava flows from the Deccan Traps volcanic eruptions.

Biggest Volcano in India

The Barren Island volcano is the biggest and the only active volcano in India. It is located in the Andaman Sea, approximately 135 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Barren Island volcano is a stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, which means it is characterized by a steep-sided, conical shape formed by alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rocks.

Active, Dormant and Extinct Volcanoes in India

Here is an explanation for various types of volcanoes in India:

Barren Island: Volcano of India

Nestled in the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, Barren Island stands as India’s only active volcano. Classified as a stratovolcano, it rises to an elevation of 354 meters. Its last eruption, witnessed in 2018, underscores its ongoing volcanic activity. Despite its remote location, Barren Island serves as a hotspot for scientific research and ecological exploration.

Narcondam: Volcano of India

Another gem in the Andaman archipelago, Narcondam, presents a striking stratovolcano with an elevation of 710 meters. While dormant, its eruption history remains elusive. Narcondam’s lush vegetation and diverse fauna contribute to its ecological significance, attracting biologists and nature enthusiasts seeking to unravel its mysteries.

Baratang: Volcano of India

While not a conventional volcano, Baratang Island boasts captivating mud volcanoes—a result of gas and mud eruptions. These unique geological formations offer a glimpse into Earth’s dynamic processes. Though their eruption patterns are unpredictable, the mud volcanoes of Baratang continue to fascinate visitors with their bubbling mud pits and otherworldly landscapes.

Dhosi Hill: Volcano of India

Located in Haryana, Dhosi Hill stands as a silent sentinel of India’s volcanic past. Characterized as a volcanic plug, it reaches a modest elevation of 320 meters. Despite the lack of recent eruptions, Dhosi Hill’s geological significance is undeniable, serving as a testament to India’s diverse topography and geological heritage.

Dhinodhar Hills: Volcano of India

Gujarat’s Dhinodhar Hills feature a unique geological formation known as a tuff ring. Rising to 358 meters, these hills hold secrets of ancient volcanic activity, providing valuable insights into India’s geological evolution.

Tosham Hills: Volcano of India

Haryana’s Tosham Hills, characterized by volcanic cones, stand at an elevation of 207 meters. While their eruption history remains obscure, these hills contribute to India’s diverse geological landscape, inviting exploration and scientific inquiry.

Deccan Plateau: Volcano of India

Spanning across Maharashtra, the Deccan Plateau is renowned for its extensive basaltic lava flows, a legacy of past volcanic activity. While not marked by towering peaks, the Deccan Plateau’s geological significance lies in its flood basalt formations, shaping the region’s topography and ecosystem.

Loktak Lake: Volcano of India

Manipur’s Loktak Lake boasts a unique geological feature known as a maar—a shallow, broad crater formed by phreatomagmatic eruptions. With an elevation of 768 meters, Loktak Lake is not only a natural wonder but also a vital habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Conclusion: List of Volcanoes in India

India’s volcanic landscape offers a tapestry of geological wonders, from active stratovolcanoes to ancient impact craters and volcanic cones. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of these geological marvels, they serve as a testament to India’s dynamic geological history and cultural diversity, inviting exploration and appreciation from enthusiasts worldwide.

FAQs: List of Volcanoes in India

How many volcanoes are India?

There is a total of eight volcanoes in India. Among them, only one volcano is active (Barren Island). The remaining volcanoes are not in an active stage (which means they have not recently erupted), including mud volcanoes in India.

Which is the biggest volcano in the India?

The biggest volcano in India is Barren Island, located in the Andaman Islands.

Which is the first volcano in India?

Barren Island is an island located in the Andaman Sea. It is the only confirmed active volcano in the Indian subcontinent, and the only active volcano along a chain of volcanoes from Sumatra to Myanmar.

What are the 7 volcanoes in India?

  • Barren Island. Barren Island is a confirmed active volcano in the South-Asia.
  • Narcondam Island. It is a small volcanic island, which covers around 6.8 square kilometers of area.
  • Deccan Traps.
  • Baratang.
  • Dhinodhar Hill.
  • Dhosi Hill.
  • Tosham Hills.


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