Krakatoa, an Indonesian volcanic island, erupted in 1883, destroying two-thirds of the island and creating tsunamis that killed over 36,000 people. The eruption also caused unusual atmospheric phenomena and the creation of a new island, Anak Krakatau.
Krakatoa is a volcanic island that is part of the chain of islands that bears the same weather. The island itself is in the country of Indonesia and was the site of one of the best-known volcanic events in history. Beginning on August 26, 1883, the volcano erupted in a series of violent explosions that sent approximately 5 cubic miles (21 cubic km) of ash and volcanic material into the atmosphere. The final explosion was said to be the largest, and was heard as far away as the western edge of Australia, over 1,900 miles (3,100 km) away, and Rodrigues Island, nearly 3,000 miles (5,000 km) from the site of the eruption.
The eruption of Krakatoa’s main volcano was so powerful that more than two-thirds of the island was destroyed. This was not just the destruction of animal or plant life; the island has literally been wiped off the map and into the ocean by force. Hundreds of nearby villages and towns were damaged or destroyed, and the death toll was officially estimated at more than 36,000.
Most of the documented destruction was the result of tsunamis created by the sudden displacement of much of the island into the ocean. A notable measure of the power of these tsunamis was the final resting place of a steamship caught in the destructive force of these waters. This vessel, The Berouw, was blown over 1km inland, resulting in the deaths of over two dozen crew members.
In the months and years following the famous eruption, unusual atmospheric phenomena were visible, produced by airborne volcanic matter. Sunsets in many parts of the world were extraordinarily bright and colorful for the same reason. The time period in which the eruption took place means that there is little or no photographic evidence of these events, but many artists have attempted to capture them in paintings and other works.
Krakatoa volcano remained relatively quiet for a few decades after its 1883 eruption. In the early 20th century, however, it began erupting again. Since these eruptions occurred under water, they had the effect of creating a new island in the place where the old one was. By the mid-20th century, this island was visible from the air and continued to grow in height at the rate of about 20 feet (16 meters) per year. The new island is called Anak Krakatau, which in the local dialect means “son of Krakatoa”.
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