Thermal anomaly over Barren Island volcano, Andaman Sea: Implications for volcanic and hazard monitoring

Abstract

Continuous monitoring of the Barren Island volcano is important for assessing its geohazard potential and supporting long-term scientific observations of volcanic activity. In the present study, we performed a multi-temporal analysis using satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST) data for 2025 derived from Landsat 8/9 thermal bands to evaluate the thermal anomalies across different time intervals. The analysis revealed pronounced thermal variability, with distinct highest LST reaching 99.84 C during April, followed by a maximum of 67.85 C in May, highlighting a period of intensified surface. Although the analysis provided valuable insights into surface thermal variability, the presence of cloud cover during certain periods (September 2025) limited the availability and reliability of LST estimates derived from specific scenes. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of LST-based techniques, combined with multisource optical satellite data, in tracking volcanic activity and enabling continuous monitoring of eruptive events at the remote oceanic Barren Island volcano. Beyond its utility for hazard monitoring, the findings indicate that satellite-based LST assessments can guide future geophysical investigations for subsurface characterization and support detailed geomorphological analysis using the same datasets. Integration the remote sensing techniques into volcanic hazard assessment and geothermal exploration offers a cost-effective and reliable framework to support both disaster preparedness and sustainable energy planning in the Andaman region.