Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait has been quite active lately, erupting multiple times since late Friday. The eruptions have shot ash up to 3 kilometers into the sky. This is the longest eruption since the volcano’s big collapse in 2018, which sadly led to a dangerous tsunami.

About Volcanoes of Indonesia

• Indonesia is right in the middle of the action, known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is like the hotbed for earthquakes and volcanoes.
• Believe it or not, Indonesia holds the record for the most active volcanoes in any country. There’s a whopping 130 active ones, not to mention a bunch of snoozing ones too!
• Picture this – Indonesia is like the dance floor where several tectonic plates come together and have a serious party. You’ve got the Eurasian, Pacific, Australian, and Philippine Sea plates all jiving in one place.

Types of Volcanoes

Indonesia boasts a variety of volcanoes, each with its unique characteristics.

• Stratovolcanoes: Picture these as tall, cone-shaped volcanoes with steep sides. They’re made up of layers of both lava and ash. You’ll find this type all over Indonesia—it’s the most common.
• Shield Volcanoes: Imagine volcanoes shaped like shields. These have a broad, rounded appearance and are formed when runny lava flows pile up. They’re quite different from the pointy stratovolcanoes.
• Calderas: Think of calderas as giant, bowl-shaped hollows in the ground. They’re created when a volcano collapses after a really massive eruption. So, it’s like the volcano implodes, leaving a big, basin-like dent.

Active Volcanoes

Mount Merapi (Central Java):

• Nestled in Central Java, Mount Merapi stands as one of Indonesia’s most active and perilous volcanoes.
• Over the course of history, it has frequently erupted, posing a continuous threat to the surrounding areas.

Mount Agung (Bali):

• Bali’s spiritual icon, Mount Agung, is held sacred by the Balinese people.
• In 2017, a significant eruption occurred, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents in response to the potential dangers posed by the volcanic activity.

Mount Bromo (East Java):

• Found in East Java, Mount Bromo is a hotspot for tourists, offering breathtaking landscapes and captivating sunrise views.
• Its dramatic scenery makes it a must-visit destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

Mount Rinjani (Lombok Island):

• Situated on Lombok Island, Mount Rinjani claims the title of Indonesia’s second-highest volcano.
• Renowned for its stunning crater lake, Segara Anak, this volcano is not just a geological wonder but also a picturesque attraction for nature enthusiasts.

Impact and Safety Measures

• No one got hurt in the recent volcanic eruption, and thankfully, no one had to leave their homes.
• The closest town is about 16 and a half kilometers from the volcano, so it’s quite a distance away.
• Before the eruption, officials told people to keep a safe distance of 5 kilometers from the volcano. Luckily, everyone listened and stayed out of harm’s way.

Changes in Anak Krakatau Island

• Anak Krakatau island has shrunk significantly since the eruption in 2018.
• Its current size is just a quarter of what it used to be.
• The top of the volcano’s crater is now 159 meters tall, a considerable drop from its previous height of 338 meters.

Historical Context

• Anak Krakatau is like the child of the well-known Krakatau volcano, which had a huge eruption in 1883, causing a global cooling period.
• In 2018, Anak Krakatau collapsed, creating a tsunami that the Center’s 2019 study focused on. This tsunami sadly caused over 430 deaths and forced 40,000 people to leave their homes.

Read Also: Seismic Noise – UPSC