These samples will help in deciphering the nature of

the present and past volcanic activity in the region.

Researchers from CSIR-NIO have been studying the past volcanic events in Andaman Basin-based on the ash layers in a sediment column.

"The team observed the activity for about four hours before continuing with their research cruise. Landing on the volcanic island was not attempted as it was too dangerous," NIO has said.

The Andaman Basin is an active back-arc spreading basin and is known for its strong seismicity and many submarine volcanoes and hydrothermal activity, the release said.

Scientists from CSIR-NIO have been surveying the Andaman Basin and they have identified many small submerged volcanoes in a linear chain called a volcanic arc.

These volcanoes are formed due to the rising magma formed deep in the mantle due to the melting of the subducted Indian Ocean crust, said the release.

A few of these submarine volcanoes have been dredged for samples and pumice type of light volcanic rock have been recovered, it said.

The volcanic island is uninhabited and the northern part of the island is, as the name suggests, barren and devoid of vegetation.

Private citizens of India can visit the volcanic island by chartered boats after obtaining permission of the Forest Department in Port Blair.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)