Mud Volcanoes: Unusual Eruptions Beneath the Surface
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
A mud volcano recently erupted in Taiwan, drawing attention to these lesser-known but geologically significant phenomena.
What are Mud Volcanoes?
Formation: Occur in subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, creating pressure and heat that push fluids and sediments upward.
Triggers:
Natural causes – tectonic pressure, sediment squeeze (especially in delta regions)
Human activities – mining or gas drilling
Appearance: Small hill or mound-like structures
Eruptions: Unlike igneous volcanoes, they emit mud and gases, especially methane, not lava or ash
Key Differences from Igneous Volcanoes
Feature | Mud Volcano | Igneous Volcano |
Output | Mud, gas (e.g., methane) | Lava, ash, pyroclasts |
Source | Sediments and fluids | Magma chamber |
Temperature | Cool to moderate | Extremely hot |
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography – Plate tectonics, volcanic landforms
GS Paper 3: Disaster Management – Hazards from non-igneous events
UPSC Prelims Statement-Based MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding mud volcanoes:
They are formed by the accumulation of molten rock from Earth’s mantle.
They are commonly found in subduction zones and deltas.
Mud volcanoes emit gases like methane instead of lava.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Mud volcanoes are not formed from magma but from fluids and sediments.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper 1)
Differentiate between igneous and mud volcanoes in terms of their formation, characteristics, and hazards. Explain their geographical distribution and significance in disaster studies.
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