Reading Passages: Krakatoa - 1883 Eruption, History, Causes & Impact

Krakatoa is a volcanic island situated in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 is considered one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in modern history. Here's the full history, causes, and impact of the eruption of Krakatoa.

Amazing facts: Krakatoa Eruption

• The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, and it is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT, which is about 13,000 times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
• The explosion was so loud that it was heard up to 5,000 kilometers away, and it was said to be the loudest sound ever heard in human history.
• The eruption of Krakatoa generated massive tsunamis that swept across the Sunda Strait, causing massive devastation along the coasts of Java and Sumatra. The waves were so powerful that they were recorded as far away as South Africa and the English Channel.
• The eruption of Krakatoa had a significant impact on global weather patterns, causing a drop in temperature and unusual weather patterns around the world.
• The eruption of Krakatoa created a massive caldera, or volcanic crater, that is now home to a new volcanic island known as Anak Krakatau, which means "Child of Krakatoa" in Indonesian.
• Anak Krakatau is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, and it has been erupting regularly since its formation in 1927.
• The area around Krakatoa is now a popular destination for tourists, who come to witness the stunning natural beauty of the volcanic island and surrounding area.
• Krakatoa is located on the "Ring of Fire," a region of the Pacific Basin known for its frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
• The eruption of Krakatoa inspired the famous novel "Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded" by Simon Winchester, which tells the story of the disaster and its aftermath.
• Krakatoa is a powerful reminder of the awesome power of nature and the potential for catastrophic natural disasters. It serves as a warning to us all to respect the planet and take steps to protect ourselves and our communities from the dangers posed by natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

History

Krakatoa is a volcanic island that had been dormant for over two centuries before it erupted in 1883. On August 26th, 1883, the volcano started spewing ash and gas into the atmosphere. The eruptions continued for several days, and on August 27th, the island exploded with a force equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT, which is 13,000 times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

The eruption was so violent that it was heard as far away as Perth, Australia, and even the island of Rodrigues, which is 4,800 km away. The explosion generated shock waves that circled the globe seven times, and the resulting tsunami waves were over 30 meters high.

Causes

The eruption of Krakatoa was caused by the movement of tectonic plates. The island sits on the boundary between the Australian and Eurasian plates, and the pressure that built up from the movement of these plates led to the eruption. The eruption was also fueled by the high amount of magma that had accumulated beneath the surface of the island.

Mount Tambora vs. Krakatoa

Mount Tambora and Krakatoa are two of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history, and both had a significant impact on the world. 

Here are some key differences between the two:

Location: Mount Tambora is located in Indonesia on the island of Sumbawa, while Krakatoa is located on the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra.

Size of the eruption: The eruption of Tambora in 1815 was much larger than the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. Tambora's eruption is estimated to have released 160 cubic kilometers of ash and debris, while Krakatoa's eruption released about 25 cubic kilometers.

Death toll: The death toll from the Tambora eruption was much higher than from Krakatoa. Tambora's eruption is estimated to have killed at least 71,000 people, while Krakatoa's eruption killed around 36,000.

Global impact: Both eruptions had a significant impact on the global climate. The Tambora eruption caused a "year without a summer" in 1816, with lower temperatures and unusual weather patterns around the world. The Krakatoa eruption also caused a drop in global temperatures and unusual weather patterns, but the impact was not as long-lasting as Tambora's.

Volcanic type: Tambora is a stratovolcano, which is a type of volcano that is characterized by its steep sides and explosive eruptions. Krakatoa is also a stratovolcano, but it is a much younger volcano than Tambora.

Overall, while both Mount Tambora and Krakatoa were devastating volcanic eruptions, Tambora's eruption was larger and had a greater impact on the global climate and human population.

Krakatoa Impact

The impact of the Krakatoa eruption was felt both locally and globally, and it had far-reaching consequences. The eruption caused widespread devastation, with over 36,000 people losing their lives, many more injured and displaced, and entire communities destroyed. The tsunami waves triggered by the eruption were up to 30 meters high, and they inundated the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra, causing further destruction and loss of life.

In addition to the immediate impact, the ash and gas from the eruption had a significant effect on the Earth's atmosphere. The eruption released an estimated 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, which combined with water vapor to form sulfuric acid aerosols. These aerosols spread throughout the world's atmosphere, reflecting sunlight back into space and causing a global drop in temperature. The cooling effect of the eruption was observed worldwide, and in some areas, it caused unusual weather patterns and even crop failures.

The impact of the eruption on global climate lasted for several years. The sulfuric acid aerosols remained in the atmosphere for several years, reflecting sunlight and causing a cooling effect on the Earth's surface. This caused a decrease in global temperatures by up to 1.2°C, and it had a significant impact on agricultural yields around the world. The unusual weather patterns triggered by the eruption also had an impact on global economies, with some countries experiencing significant losses in agriculture and trade.

The eruption of Krakatoa was a stark reminder of the power of nature and the potential for catastrophic natural disasters. The lessons learned from the eruption have helped scientists better understand the impact of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's environment, and it has led to improved methods for predicting and mitigating the effects of future eruptions. Today, the area around Krakatoa is monitored closely for signs of renewed activity, and communities in the region have developed disaster preparedness plans to minimize the impact of any future eruptions.

In conclusion, the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 was a catastrophic natural disaster that had far-reaching consequences. The eruption was caused by the movement of tectonic plates, and its impact was felt around the world. The lessons learned from the eruption have helped scientists better understand the power of volcanic eruptions and their impact on the Earth's environment.