1883 eruption of Krakatoa
Large volcanic eruption in the Sunda Strait
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Key Takeaways
- Between 20 May and 21 October 1883, the volcanic island of Krakatoa (located in the Sunda Strait, then part of the Dutch Empire – modern-day Indonesia) began erupting, lasting more than 5 months.
- The 27 August eruption had an estimated Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6, and is one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in recorded history; the third explosion of that day, that occurred at 10:02 AM, remains the loudest known sound in history.
- The acoustic pressure wave circled the globe more than three times.
- Significant additional effects were felt worldwide in the days and weeks after the volcano's eruption.
Between 20 May and 21 October 1883, the volcanic island of Krakatoa (located in the Sunda Strait, then part of the Dutch Empire – modern-day Indonesia) began erupting, lasting more than 5 months. On 27 August, the island had its most significant eruption, which destroyed over seventy-percent of the island and its surrounding archipelago, the island collapsing into a caldera. The 27 August eruption had an estimated Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6, and is one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in recorded history; the third explosion of that day, that occurred at 10:02 AM, remains the loudest known sound in history.
The explosion was heard 3,110 kilometres (1,930 mi) away in Perth, Western Australia, and Rodrigues near Mauritius, 4,800 kilometres (3,000 mi) away. The acoustic pressure wave circled the globe more than three times. At least 36,417 deaths are attributed to the eruption and the tsunamis it created. Significant additional effects were felt worldwide in the days and weeks after the volcano's eruption. Additional seismic activity was reported until February 1884, but any reports after October 1883 were dismissed by Rogier Verbeek's subsequent investigation into the eruption.
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