List of all Volcanoes in Pakistan

Volcanoes in Pakistan: Overview

Pakistan is not typically known as a volcanically active country like Indonesia or Iceland, yet it holds a fascinating collection of mud volcanoes and a few extinct magmatic volcanoes, particularly along the Makran Coastal Range in Balochistan. These volcanoes, though lesser-known, play a significant role in understanding the country’s geological structure, tectonic activity, and natural history.

Most of the volcanoes in Pakistan are mud volcanoes, formed by the expulsion of gases and mud from deep underground, rather than molten lava. These formations are especially prominent along the Makran subduction zone, where the Arabian Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate. Let’s dive into the most prominent volcanoes found in Pakistan.

List of all Volcanoes in Pakistan

Koh-i-Sultan (Extinct Magmatic Volcano)

Koh-i-Sultan is an extinct magmatic stratovolcano located in the Chagai District of Balochistan, Pakistan. With an elevation of approximately 2,300 meters, it stands as the only well-known extinct magmatic volcano in the country. It forms part of the Chagai volcanic arc in western Balochistan and was created millions of years ago as a result of tectonic collisions. The geological structure of Koh-i-Sultan consists of andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which are indicative of its volcanic history during the Tertiary period.

This ancient volcano holds significant geological importance due to its rich deposits of sulfur and copper. The region has been extensively studied for its potential in geothermal energy, and it continues to attract interest from both geologists and mining companies. Although it is now classified as extinct, Koh-i-Sultan remains a notable landmark for its mineral-rich terrain and its contribution to understanding the volcanic and tectonic history of the region.

Malan Island (Mud Volcano)

Malan Island is a submarine mud volcano located off the Makran coast near Hingol in Balochistan. It is known for occasionally forming temporary islands in the Arabian Sea. The last appearance of Malan Island occurred in 1999, after which it submerged again due to wave erosion. These ephemeral landforms are created when pressurized mud and gas escape through the sea floor, resulting in the emergence of a small landmass above the water surface.

The island holds particular importance as it represents temporary and geologically unstable formations, providing clear evidence of tectonic and subduction activity in the region. Malan Island is a key point of interest in the field of marine geology, drawing the attention of researchers studying the dynamic geological processes along the Makran coast.

Jebel e Ghurab (Mud Volcano)

Jebel e Ghurab is a mud volcano located along the Makran Coast of Balochistan, near the Makran subduction zone. It is one of several cone-shaped mud volcanoes in the region and is currently considered dormant, although it has shown visual activity in past decades. The volcano features a distinct dome-like structure, which has been shaped over time by the slow oozing of mud, and it occasionally emits methane gas.

This geological formation is part of a cluster of mud volcanoes found in the area and serves as an excellent example of non-magmatic volcanic activity. While not explosive like magmatic volcanoes, Jebel e Ghurab has experienced occasional small eruptions, making it a noteworthy site for understanding the geological dynamics associated with subduction zones and mud volcanism.

Chandragup (Mud Volcano)

Chandragup is a group of mud volcanoes located in Hingol National Park, Balochistan, and is locally identified as Chandragup I, II, and III. These volcanoes are not only remarkable natural geological features but also hold deep cultural and religious significance, particularly for the Hindu community. During pilgrimages to the nearby Hinglaj Mata Temple, devotees perform rituals by throwing coconuts and offerings into the crater of the volcanoes.

Geologically, Chandragup is known to regularly emit methane gas and mud flows, and its crater-like structure closely resembles that of a traditional volcano, despite being non-magmatic. It stands out as a rare example where natural geological activity intersects with spiritual tradition, making it both a point of scientific interest and a revered pilgrimage site.

Hingol (Mud Volcano)

Hingol is an active mud volcano situated in the Hingol River Valley within Hingol National Park, Balochistan. It is one of the most aesthetically striking mud volcanoes in Pakistan, known for its slow oozing activity. The volcano consistently releases grey mud, which dries and hardens into layered deposits, gradually contributing to the growth in the height of the cone-shaped formation.

Geologically, the Hingol mud volcano is formed by the accumulation of pressure from deep-seated gases, primarily methane. The surrounding landscape is dotted with unique mud mounds and erosion features, adding to its visual and scientific appeal. This site serves as an excellent destination for eco-tourism and geological education, offering visitors insights into the fascinating processes of non-magmatic volcanic activity.

Tor Zawar (Fissure Vent)

Tor Zawar is a fissure-type volcanic formation located in the Ziarat District of Balochistan and represents a rare event in Pakistan’s volcanic history. In 2010, a small fissure eruption was reported in the area, during which hot gases and semi-solidified materials were released from the ground. Although it has not been definitively confirmed as a full-scale magmatic eruption, the incident drew significant attention and debate among geologists.

Unlike traditional cone-shaped volcanoes, Tor Zawar features a linear crack or vent, typical of fissure-type volcanic activity. This formation is thought to be associated with tectonic stress and gas release, suggesting micro-volcanic activity in the region. Whether magmatic or not, the event at Tor Zawar underscores the geological complexity of Balochistan and the possibility of lesser-known volcanic phenomena occurring in tectonically active zones.

Gwadar New Small Island (Mud Volcano)

Gwadar New Small Island is a submarine mud volcano located near Gwadar Port in the Arabian Sea. The island emerged in 2013, following a massive mud volcano eruption triggered by the Balochistan earthquake. Composed primarily of mud and gas, the island was a temporary formation that gradually eroded and disappeared over the course of a few years.

This phenomenon was significant as it was directly caused by seismic activity and gas expansion, offering a rare opportunity to observe mud volcano behavior in real time. The appearance of the island sparked global interest in the tectonic activity of the Makran region, providing valuable insights into the region’s dynamic geological processes.

Although Pakistan lacks the fiery, lava-spewing volcanoes seen in other parts of the world, its unique mud volcanoes and extinct magmatic formations offer deep insight into the tectonic and geological evolution of the region. Concentrated mostly along the Makran coast and Balochistan’s rugged terrain, these natural phenomena are critical to understanding subduction zones, gas emissions, earthquake triggers, and even mineral wealth.

Moreover, sites like Chandragup reflect the cultural integration of geology, while temporary islands like Malan and Gwadar’s new island emphasize the ever-changing nature of Earth’s crust in Pakistan.

As geological exploration and awareness grow, Pakistan’s volcanoes — both muddy and magmatic — will continue to be a subject of scientific curiosity, environmental education, and even tourism development.