Anak Krakatoa - It's Only When |
Posted: June 11, 2018 |
Anak Krakatoa – It’s Only When
The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 caused worldwide disaster. Tens of thousand died, global temperatures dropped, and tsunamis, explosions and much more affected large areas of the globe. However, now, is it possible that something worse could happen? Enter Anak Krakatoa….
We, at Window Cleaning Perth watch world events closely. One of the biggest dangers to life that nature threatens is the son of Krakatoa, also known as Anak Krakatoa.
Anak Krakatoa- What Makes It So Dangerous?
Anak Krakatoa is a very dangerous volcano. Why so? Simply because a/ it comes from a family to fear, and 2/ Because of how fast it is growing. So, let’s look at both of these issues more closely: 1/ It’s family – Anak Krakatoa is the ‘son’ of Krakatoa, a volcano that exploded in 1883. Although officially 36417 people died, other figures put the death toll at more than 120,000. However, after the eruption, wasn’t the danger over? NO! In the caldera that formed a new seed was sown of a possibly even greater danger…Anak Krakatoa 2/ How fast is it growing? – Since the explosion of Krakatoa in 1883, this brand new volcano has grown. And, how quickly it has grown! Each year it is reported that the volcano grows at around 6.8 metres per year. Another estimate puts the growth at 13cm per week, it’s height now at a staggering 400 metres above sea level! This picture of Anak Krakatoa(the island in the centre, where the original Krakatoa once stood) was taken in 1992, when the volcano was about 250 metres high, it now stands over 400 metres high! Anak Krakatoa – How Did It Get Started?As mentioned earlier, Anak Krakatoa how came about after the destruction of Krakatoa. Whilst lava flows and eruptions continued after the main eruption, most of the lava and discharge was not much to write home about, the sea washing away most of what emerged. However, in August 1930 the discharge became too strong to be eroded, and the volcano was now visible. Has It Erupted Before?Absolutely! Recent eruptions have occurred in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012(nothing to do with the Mayan Calendar!). So, these yearly eruptions were consistent with the continuous growth of the volcano. Even if eruptions now are not as frequent, the continuing growth of the volcano testify that not much has changed with regard to the danger it poses. What Does The Future Hold For Anak Krakatoa?Predicting volcanic eruptions is a science that has made significant progress over the last one hundred years, so scientists understand now the mechanisms of what occurs, and what tell tale signs to look for. However, even one recent event underlines that it is still not an exact science. In the few days before this post was written, a volcano in Guatemala erupted and killed, at this point, 109 people. The volcano erupted on a Sunday. Shortly afterward experts advised that the danger of further eruptions was not high. However, on the following Tuesday, a further explosive eruption occurred. The point being is that no one knows exactly when Anak Krakatoa will erupt. However, this is an active volcano that has tremendous destructive potential. When a volcano rises nearly 7 meters a year, there is a strong likelihood that disaster will occur. The two most probable outcomes appear to be that there will be a volcanic eruption, or the pressure contributing to it’s growth will dissipate, or, it will slow down in it’s growth. With the ring of fire so volatile, and recent volcanic activity rising, the area’s fast growing volcano remains an extremely dangerous neighbor. Anak Krakatoa, it’s only when
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