Krakatoa

Sunda strait map v3

AMH-8034-KB View of Gunung Api

John Webber Plate XV View in the Island of Cracatoa

John Webber Plate XVI The Fan Palm in the Island of Cracatoa

Error creating thumbnail:

Krakatoa map

Krakatoa evolution map-en

Krakatoa (Indonesian: Krakatau) is a volcanic island situated in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in the Indonesian province of Lampung. The island has been the site of repeated massive volcanic eruptions throughout its history. The most notable of these occurred in 1883, one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in recorded history.

History

The name "Krakatoa" is used both for the island group, the main island (also called Rakata), and the volcano as a whole. Historical records of volcanic activity in this area date back to the 16th century. However, the 1883 eruption was unprecedented in its scale, causing widespread destruction.

1883 Eruption

The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters of the modern era. The eruption and the tsunamis it triggered killed over 36,000 people in the surrounding coastal areas of Java and Sumatra. The explosion was so powerful it was heard as far away as Australia and the Indian Ocean islands, making it one of the loudest sounds ever recorded. The eruption also affected global climate, leading to a noticeable decrease in global temperatures and spectacular sunsets around the world due to the spread of volcanic ash in the atmosphere.

Geology

Krakatoa is part of the Indonesian island arc system, resulting from the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. The complex consists of several islands, the remnants of a larger pre-1883 island. The main islands are:

• Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatoa)
• Rakata
• Sertung
• Panjang

Anak Krakatau is the youngest island and has been growing since 1927, emerging from the caldera formed in 1883. It continues to be active, with regular eruptions that have gradually built the island larger over time.

Ecology

The eruption of Krakatoa had a profound impact on the surrounding ecosystem, virtually annihilating it. However, the area has since become a fascinating case study of ecological succession, with life slowly returning to the islands. Initial plant life was sparse, consisting mainly of grasses and ferns, but over time, more complex ecosystems have developed. The islands now support a variety of plant and animal life, serving as a natural laboratory for studying ecological recovery and succession.

Impact and Legacy

The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa had a significant impact on global climate, the study of volcanology, and even culture and art. It led to the development of the Volcanic Explosivity Index, an important tool in volcanic studies. The spectacular sunsets influenced artists and writers, notably inspiring the vivid skies in Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream".

See Also

• 1883 eruption of Krakatoa
• Volcanic Explosivity Index
• Tsunami
• List of volcanic eruptions by death toll