Glossary

12.2 Krakatoa (1883) and Its Global Effects

4 min read•july 30, 2024

The 1883 was a cataclysmic event that shook the world. Located in Indonesia, this volcanic explosion caused widespread destruction, killing thousands and reshaping the landscape. Its effects weren't just local – they rippled across the globe.

Krakatoa's eruption had far-reaching impacts on climate and society. It cooled the Earth, created vivid sunsets worldwide, and sparked scientific advancements in volcanology and climate studies. This event showcases how volcanic eruptions can have global consequences.

Krakatoa's Pre-Eruption Setting

Geological Setting

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  • Krakatoa is located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia
    • Situated at the convergence of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates
  • The volcano is part of the , a where the Indo-Australian Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate
    • Subduction leads to the formation of a chain of volcanoes along the Sunda Arc
  • The pre-1883 Krakatoa Island consisted of three main volcanic peaks: Perboewatan, Danan, and Rakata
    • These peaks were remnants of an earlier -forming eruption

Eruptive History

  • Prior to the 1883 eruption, Krakatoa had a long history of volcanic activity
    • Previous major eruptions occurred in the 5th century, 6th century, and 1680
  • Historical records indicate that Krakatoa was dormant for about 200 years before the 1883 eruption
    • Minor volcanic activity was reported in the years leading up to the catastrophic event

The 1883 Eruption Sequence

Precursory Activity and Initial Eruptions

  • The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa began on May 20 with a series of moderate explosive eruptions from the Perboewatan crater
    • These eruptions continued intermittently for several months
  • On August 26, the eruption intensified, with a series of four massive explosions occurring over a period of about 4 hours and 40 minutes
    • Each explosion was more powerful than the previous one

Climactic Eruption and Caldera Formation

  • The final and most violent explosion occurred at 10:02 a.m. local time on August 27
    • This explosion was heard as far as 4,800 km away (e.g., in Australia)
    • It generated a massive that devastated the surrounding coastal areas
  • The explosive eruptions were caused by the interaction of magma with seawater
    • This interaction led to and the fragmentation of the magma into fine ash particles
  • The eruption column reached an estimated height of 50 km, injecting a large volume of ash and gases into the stratosphere
  • The rapid emptying of the magma chamber beneath Krakatoa led to the collapse of the volcanic edifice
    • A 6 km wide submarine caldera formed as a result of the collapse
  • The collapse of the caldera generated additional tsunamis and caused the disappearance of two-thirds of the original Krakatoa Island

Global Impacts of the 1883 Eruption

Atmospheric and Climatic Effects

  • The 1883 Krakatoa eruption injected an estimated 20 million tonnes of (SO2) into the stratosphere
    • The SO2 reacted with water vapor to form sulfuric acid aerosols
  • These aerosols spread globally, forming a veil that reduced the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface
    • This led to a global cooling effect of about 0.3°C for several years following the eruption
  • The presence of in the atmosphere caused vivid red and orange sunsets and twilight glows
    • These "" were observed worldwide for several years after the eruption
  • The eruption's effects on patterns led to abnormal weather conditions in many regions
    • Unusually cold winters occurred in the Northern Hemisphere
    • Reduced monsoon rainfall affected parts of Asia and Africa (e.g., India and the Sahel region)

Contributions to Climate Science

  • The Krakatoa eruption provided valuable insights into the role of volcanic eruptions in influencing global climate and atmospheric processes
    • It contributed to the development of modern climate science
  • The event demonstrated the far-reaching impacts of large-scale volcanic eruptions on the Earth's climate system
    • It highlighted the importance of studying in climate models and paleoclimate reconstructions

Social and Economic Impacts of the 1883 Eruption

Local and Regional Devastation

  • The 1883 Krakatoa eruption and the resulting tsunamis caused widespread destruction in the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra
    • An estimated 36,000 fatalities occurred in the affected regions
  • The eruption destroyed numerous villages and towns, as well as agricultural land and infrastructure
    • This led to significant economic losses and social disruption in the affected areas
  • The devastation caused by the eruption led to a heightened awareness of among the public and scientific community
    • It prompted increased research into volcanic processes and the development of early warning systems

Cultural and Scientific Legacy

  • The Krakatoa eruption became a cultural and scientific landmark
    • It inspired numerous artistic and literary works (e.g., paintings, novels, and poems)
    • It stimulated scientific studies that advanced the understanding of volcanic processes and their impacts on the environment and society
  • The event highlighted the need for international cooperation in monitoring and responding to volcanic hazards
    • The effects of the eruption were felt far beyond the immediate vicinity of Krakatoa
  • The legacy of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption continues to influence disaster risk reduction strategies and volcanic hazard management practices worldwide
    • It emphasizes the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters

Key Terms to Review (16)

Atmospheric Circulation: Atmospheric circulation refers to the large-scale movement of air around the Earth, driven by uneven heating from the sun. This circulation is crucial for distributing heat and moisture, affecting weather patterns and climate on a global scale. It plays a significant role in the aftermath of major volcanic eruptions, as seen with the effects following Krakatoa's eruption in 1883, which altered atmospheric conditions and led to notable climatic changes worldwide.
Caldera: A caldera is a large, depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses, typically resulting from the emptying of a magma chamber beneath the volcano. These features can vary in size and shape, often forming lakes or new volcanic landforms over time, and are key indicators of the volcanic processes that create explosive eruptions and diverse volcanic products.
Climate change: Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate, particularly due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This phenomenon can lead to extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Volcanic eruptions can contribute to climate change by releasing ash and gases into the atmosphere, which can affect global temperatures and weather patterns.
Krakatoa Eruption: The Krakatoa eruption refers to a catastrophic volcanic event that occurred in 1883 on the island of Krakatoa in Indonesia, known for its violent explosion and the massive tsunamis it generated. This eruption is significant in the study of caldera systems, types of volcanic hazards, eruption styles, and has had profound global climatic effects, illustrating the interconnectedness of volcanic activity and climate change.
Krakatoa sunsets: Krakatoa sunsets refer to the spectacular, vivid red and orange skies that became famous following the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. This natural phenomenon was a result of the massive volcanic eruption that released enormous amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which then scattered sunlight and created stunning visual effects around the globe. These sunsets were not just beautiful; they were a reminder of the eruption's far-reaching impacts on climate and environment.
Phreatomagmatic explosions: Phreatomagmatic explosions occur when magma interacts explosively with water, generating steam that leads to violent eruptions. This type of explosive activity can result in the formation of ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and various volcanic landforms. Such explosions are particularly significant in understanding the dynamics of explosive volcanism and its global impacts, as seen in major historical events.
Remote Sensing: Remote sensing refers to the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact. In volcanology, it plays a crucial role in monitoring volcanic activity, assessing hazards, and mapping changes in the landscape over time, helping to enhance our understanding of various volcanic processes and their impacts.
Seismic Monitoring: Seismic monitoring refers to the use of instruments and technologies to detect, measure, and analyze seismic waves produced by earthquakes and volcanic activity. This process is crucial for understanding the behavior of volcanoes, assessing hazards, and developing early warning systems to protect communities from potential eruptions.
Subduction Zone: A subduction zone is a tectonic boundary where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to intense geological activity, including the formation of volcanoes and earthquakes. These zones are critical in shaping volcanic landforms, influencing eruption styles, and playing a significant role in magma composition and global volcanic events.
Sulfur dioxide: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, commonly produced by volcanic eruptions as a significant component of volcanic gases. It plays a crucial role in understanding volcanic activity, environmental impacts, and the composition of various volcanic products.
Sunda Arc: The Sunda Arc is a volcanic island arc located in Southeast Asia, formed by the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. It is known for its high volcanic activity and includes notable volcanoes such as Krakatoa and Mount Merapi, which have had significant impacts on both local populations and global climate patterns, particularly in the context of volcanic eruptions.
Tsunami: A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves generated by disturbances such as underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These waves can travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds and cause massive destruction when they reach coastal areas. In the context of significant volcanic events like Krakatoa in 1883, tsunamis play a crucial role in understanding the global impacts of such disasters.
Volcanic aerosols: Volcanic aerosols are tiny particles and droplets that are released into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions. These aerosols can consist of sulfur dioxide, ash, and other gases that can have significant impacts on climate and air quality. The effects of volcanic aerosols are particularly important in understanding global cooling and weather patterns, especially in the aftermath of major eruptions like Krakatoa in 1883.
Volcanic forcing: Volcanic forcing refers to the influence that volcanic eruptions have on the Earth's climate system, primarily through the release of ash and gases like sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. These materials can reflect sunlight and cause short-term cooling of the Earth's surface, altering weather patterns and influencing global temperatures. Understanding volcanic forcing is essential for grasping the impacts of significant eruptions, such as Krakatoa, as well as its role in broader climate change discussions.
Volcanic gas emissions: Volcanic gas emissions refer to the release of gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other volatile compounds, from a volcano during an eruption or through fumarolic activity. These gases can have significant environmental and climatic impacts, affecting air quality, climate change, and even global weather patterns. Understanding volcanic gas emissions is crucial for assessing the risks associated with volcanic eruptions and their broader consequences on the planet.
Volcanic hazards: Volcanic hazards refer to the potential dangers and risks that arise from volcanic activity, which can impact human life, property, and the environment. These hazards encompass a variety of phenomena including ashfall, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, volcanic gases, and lahars. Understanding volcanic hazards is essential for risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and implementing effective response strategies in areas prone to volcanic activity.
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