Indonesia (813 m) – Most Destructive Volcano in Recorded History
Mount Krakatoa is one of the world’s most violently active volcanoes. Located in a particularly active part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, it has erupted on a massive scale on numerous occasions, most notably in 1883. Geologically it is one of Earth’s most amazing sites as Krakatoa literally reformed from scratch in the 20th century and is now once again more than 300 meters above sea level, though remnants of the earlier volcano are taller. Its name may mean “Fire Mountain”.
Krakatoa is believed to have had at least four major eruptions over the last two thousand years. The earliest eruption witnessed by Europeans was in 1680. The most famous event by far took place in 1883, when Krakatoa, then a large island, exploded. Some estimates put the death toll at above 100,000, mostly from the subsequent tsunamis. The explosion almost completely destroyed the island above the surface. In the century since, the volcano has reformed and is growing at a rate of about seven meters per year.
Because of its nearly-constant activity and instability, it is virtually impossible to visit the current incarnation of Krakatoa safely. A new lava dome is currently growing on the mountain, which is currently on a high level of alert for a potential new eruption.
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