Intense paroxysms at Anak Krakatau volcano, Indonesia
Featured image: Anak Krakatau on December 2, 2023. Credit: USGS/Landsat-8, The Watchers
The Anak Krakatau volcano, located in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, has resumed its explosive activity, exhibiting a series of short-lived lava-fountaining episodes known as paroxysms last night. The eruptions lasted up to 150 seconds while ash was reaching 2 100 m (7 000 feet) above sea level.
Last night, the volcano displayed a series of paroxysms, characterized by short-lived but intense lava-fountaining episodes. These eruptions, occurring at 20:06, 22:57, and 04:38 local time, were marked by bright steam, ash emissions, and lava bombs, with eruptions lasting between 41 and 150 seconds and maximum amplitudes ranging from 60 to 64 mm.
During the day, several Vulcanian-sized eruptions were also recorded, sending ash plumes up to 2 100 m (7 000 feet) above sea level.
Authorities are urging people, especially fishermen, to maintain a safe distance of at least 5 km (3.1 miles) from the volcano.
The heightened activity at Anak Krakatau began on November 26, 2023, with explosive eruptions ejecting ash up to 1.1 km (3 796 feet) above sea level. By November 27, the intensity of the eruptions had increased, with ash columns reaching heights of approximately 2.16 km (7 000 feet) and drifting northwest. A brief pause was observed from November 29 – December 2.
Residents of Sebesi Island, the nearest populated area — located about 16.5 km (10.2 miles) from the volcano, have reported loud sounds accompanying the eruptions. The volcano’s current status is Alert Level III or Siaga, indicating a heightened state of alert.
Anak Krakatau, a historically significant volcano, emerged from the caldera formed by the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Krakatau. This earlier eruption led to over 36 000 deaths, primarily due to resulting tsunamis.
Since 1927, Anak Krakatau has been a frequent site of volcanic eruptions, with the recent activity continuing its long-standing pattern of volatility. The current eruptions of Anak Krakatau are a continuation of this trend, reflecting the ongoing geological dynamics of the region.
References:
1 Anak Krakatau updates – MAGMA – December 4 and 5, 2023
2 Powerful explosions at Anak Krakatau volcano, Indonesia – The Watchers – November 27, 2023
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