About Narcondum
Narcondum is a stratovolcano rising to 710 meters (2,330 feet) in India's Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Narcondum is located in India, within the Andaman Volcanic Province of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 13.43° N, 94.28° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 710 meters above sea level, Narcondum is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Narcondum sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in India near Narcondum, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The small 3 x 4 km conical island of Narcondum volcano, a possession of India, is located in the Andaman Sean about 130 km E of North Andaman Island. The island is densely vegetated, bounded by cliffs on the southern side, and capped by three peaks. Volcanism at the andesitic volcano is considered to have continued into the Holocene (Krishnan, 1957), but the last eruption is unknown. The island's name means "pit of hell," though the name could have been mistakenly transferred from the active Barren Island volcano, 140 km SSW.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Narcondum.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Narcondum
Is Narcondum an active volcano?+
Narcondum is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Narcondum?+
Narcondum has a summit elevation of 710 meters (2,330 feet) above sea level. At 710 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Narcondum?+
Narcondum is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Narcondum located?+
Narcondum is located in India, in the Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Andaman Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 13.430° latitude, 94.280° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Narcondum?+
Narcondum can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. India may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
