In Baratang, an island in the Andaman Islands, Jalki is the volcano that fascinates scientists and tourists, because instead of throwing lava, it throws mud. It is a unique and natural phenomenon that in few places in the world can be seen.
Jalki is one of the unique mud volcanoes that Baratang (India) has. These geological phenomena are formed by the emission of porous water and natural gases of organic matter in underground decomposition, accompanied by strong explosions and flares. This gradually forms a miniature volcano with a creamy mud crater on top.
Mud volcanoes also exist at the bottom of the sea and can form islands and banks that alter the topography and shape of the coast and even trigger earthquakes
According to available records, the first observed explosion of the Jalki volcano on Baratang Island was observed in March 1983 in the village of Nilambur. Since then, these mud volcanoes have been erupting eventually. It is believed that the 2005 eruptions are associated with the Indian Ocean earthquake in 2004.
Fortunately, mud volcanoes occur far from the villages and generally have no disastrous consequences. However, there have been cases in which they have caused serious damage and loss of life.
