A Volcanic Activity or…..? (Updated)

The recent unexplained geological activity near Kimin has taken everyone by surprise- from natives of the place to passer by (those traveling to and from Ziro to North Lakhimpur and Itanagar) to geologists alike.

It was reported that at a mountain 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, activity similar to volcanic eruption i.e., expulsion of hot gases and lava like substances accompanied by frequent explosion had started on August 21^st night which finally subsided by 24^th leaving behind 2 & ½ meter wide crater-creating enough curiosity for the natives, passer by and the experts to throng to the site.

The natives are terming this unusual natural phenomenon as ‘Chigum Karli’-eruption or shooting of lava from inside the earth while the experts has diverse opinion about this phenomenon-right from outright rejecting any possibility of volcanic activity in the region to fumarolic activity to not ruling out any possibility of volcanic activity till the test analysis report is available. Yes, sample has been sent to Kolkata for detailed analysis so as to ascertain this unnatural phenomenon.

So, till final test analysis is available it won’t be certain if Kimin is sitting right over the Volcanic hot-bed or if the recent geological activity was any indication of Volcanic activity? Or as some experts feel, if it was just another fumarolic activity?

Update (31-08-2007): In an NETV report appearing today, geologist of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, where the sample was sent for analysis, has concluded after intensive test of the sample that the geological activity witnessed on August 21^st last was not a volcanic activity.