Staggering Facts That Show Why Krakatoa Was A Monster Volcanic Eruption

By | July 8, 2019

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1883-Island and volcano of Krakatoa, Straight of Sunda, (before eruption). Engraving. (Getty Images)

Mother Nature often shows us her power and strength, and in August 1883, she was feeling particularly boastful. The eruption of Krakatoa, which you may remember from your 7th grade geography quiz, in Indonesia was one of the worst natural disasters of the century, but it helped scientists better understand the nature of volcanoes. Here are some astonishing facts to show why Krakatoa was so devastating. 

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The volcano showed signs of eruption for months. (legacy.earlham.edu)

There Was Plenty of Warning

Months before the massive eruption, Krakatoa showed signs that the volcano was getting cranky. Locals reported seeing smoke from the mountain, located between the islands of Java and Sumatra in the Sunda Strait. The captain of a German ship, The Elizabeth, noted clouds of ash forming above the volcano when he passed by in May 1883. In his log, he wrote that the ash cloud was more than 6 miles high. In addition to this report, other commercial ships reported seeing glowing clouds above the mountain and reported hearing loud, low rumblings coming from the volcano.