Active volcanoes are volcanoes that are either erupting or on the verge of eruption. Mount Etna (Italy), Hawaiin Islands (Pacific Ocean), Mauna Loa (Pacific Ocean), Mount Vesuvius (Italy), and Barren Island (India) are some examples of active volcanoes around the world. The topic “Active Volcanoes” is an important part of the UPSC/IAS Exam Geography syllabus which is discussed in this article in detail.

Distribution of Active Volcanoes Around the World

Active Volcanoes - Concept

• Active volcanoes are ones that erupt or are predicted to erupt in the near future.
• There are about 1,350 potentially active volcanoes in the world. Approximately 500 of the 1,350 volcanoes have erupted in recorded history.
• Many of these are found along the Pacific Ocean's rim, known as the "Ring of Fire" (depicted in the above figure).
• Kilauea, one of Hawaii's five volcanoes, has been erupting continuously since 1983.
• According to researchers at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa, India's only active volcano in Andaman & Nicobar Island has been spewing ash since 1991 after being inactive for almost 150 years.

Active Volcanoes in India

S.No	Volcano’s Name	Location	Description
1	Barren Island	Andaman Sea	Barren Island is an island that is dominated by Barren Volcano. Barren Island is South Asia's only confirmed active volcano and the only active volcano in a series of volcanoes stretching from Sumatra to Myanmar. The volcano's first known eruption occurred in 1787. The volcano has erupted several times since then. It is the only active volcano in India.
3	Baratang Island	Andaman Island	Baratang Island is also known as Ranchiwalas Island. The only known mud volcanoes in India are found near Baratang. These mud volcanoes have erupted infrequently in the past, with recent eruptions in 2005 thought to be linked to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. India’s Only Mud Volcano

Most Active Volcanoes in the World

Conclusion

Active volcanoes are considered active based on their eruptive history and the presence of associated seismic activity, ground deformation, and gas emissions. Active volcanoes are closely monitored worldwide for signs of impending eruptions, as they can pose significant risks to nearby populations, infrastructure, and the environment.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is an example of an active volcano?

A) Mount Kilimanjaro
B) Mauna Loa
C) Mount Elbrus
D) Mount Sinai

2. What is the main cause of volcanic activity in the Ring of Fire?

A) Tectonic plate collisions
B) Weather changes
C) Ocean currents
D) Solar flares

3. How are volcanoes classified as active, dormant, or extinct?

A) Based on their elevation
B) By recent eruption history
C) By lava color
D) Based on seismic activity alone

4. Which region hosts the highest number of active volcanoes?

A) Atlantic Ridge
B) Andes Mountains
C) Pacific Ring of Fire
D) Himalayan Range

5. What type of lava is typically emitted by shield volcanoes?

A) Rhyolitic
B) Basaltic
C) Andesitic
D) Granitic

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Describe the formation and characteristics of the Pacific Ring of Fire. What role does it play in global volcanic and seismic activity?

Answer: The Pacific Ring of Fire forms around the Pacific Ocean due to subduction zones at tectonic plate boundaries. It is the most active volcanic area globally, with numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions resulting from convergent tectonic plate movements. This region significantly influences global seismic patterns and tectonic activity.

Q2: Discuss the environmental and economic impacts of volcanic eruptions on nearby regions. How can these areas prepare for potential eruptions?

Answer: Volcanic eruptions can devastate ecosystems, disrupt agriculture, and damage infrastructure. They also release ash and gases, impacting climate temporarily. Regions can prepare through evacuation planning, monitoring systems, and infrastructure resilient to volcanic ash.

Q3: How do volcanic activities contribute to soil fertility? Explain the role of volcanic soils in supporting biodiversity.

Answer: Volcanic eruptions release minerals such as potassium and phosphorus, enriching soils and creating fertile lands ideal for agriculture. Volcanic regions support high biodiversity, with unique flora and fauna adapted to the rich soil composition.

Previous Year Questions on Active Volcanoes

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following volcanoes is known for continuous eruptions?

A) Mount Etna
B) Mount Kilimanjaro
C) Mount Everest
D) Table Mountain

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Mount Etna in Italy is known for its frequent eruptions, making it one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Examine the impact of volcanic activity on human settlements in the vicinity of active volcanoes." Discuss adaptation strategies for such regions.

Answer: Human settlements near active volcanoes face threats from lava flows, ashfall, and pyroclastic surges. Strategies include building ash-resistant infrastructure, establishing evacuation routes, and enhancing real-time monitoring to mitigate potential hazards effectively.