The latest (2008-09) eruption of Barren Island volcano, and some thoughts on its hazards, logistics and geotourism aspects.

Barren Island, Andaman Sea, is India's only active volcano and is built of lava flows and volcaniclastic deposits of prehistoric through recent ages that are mainly of basalt and basaltic andesite compositions. Historic eruptions occurred during 1787-1832, and it erupted thrice recently in 1991, 1994-95 and 2005-06. A fourth impressive one that might have begun in late 2008 was in full swing in March 2009, with a well-developed lava flow that was entering the sea from a completely different route (north) than all the recent lava flows. We describe and illustrate this new eruption and discuss aspects of hazards, logistics and geotourism potential of this active volcano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]