Krakatoa

Krakatoa, Krakatau or Gunung Krakatau in Indonesian and Javanese, is a subduction volcano in the Sunda Strait, between Sumatra and Java (Indonesia), whose eruptions are predominantly explosive. Its geography has been disrupted at least twice, during the two major eruptions of 416 or 535 and 1883. Since 1883, it has emerged as an archipelago of four main islands. The archipelago is home to rich animal and plant life, particularly thanks to its tropical climate. It is part of the Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The volcano is best known for its explosion on 27 August 1883, one of the most violent in human memory, which killed tens of thousands of people and caused a tsunami that devastated several coastlines. The effects of this explosive eruption were perceptible as far as Europe, shortly after the catastrophe with the effect of the shockwave on sea levels, then with a particular nebulosity due to ashes suspended in the atmosphere, which lasted several years. This catastrophe has also greatly inspired literature, cinema, television, and music.

In the 20th century, the volcano gave birth to a new island, Anak Krakatau ("Child of Krakatoa"), providing a study ground for many scientists. The volcano site is still active. On 22 December 2018, an eruption that reduced the height of Anak Krakatau by two-thirds caused a deadly tsunami on the coastlines of the Sunda Strait.