Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption

Why in News?

Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau erupted, releasing fine volcanic ash particles that disrupted air transport. The ash created risks to aircraft engines, reduced visibility and posed health hazards, leading to the suspension of operations at several airports and affecting flights and passengers.

About Mount Anak Krakatau

Mount Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. It is among Indonesia’s approximately 130 active volcanoes and lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly tectonically active zone characterised by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The volcano forms part of the Sunda Arc, which developed due to the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. This plate interaction makes the region highly vulnerable to volcanic activity.

Origin of Anak Krakatau

The name Anak Krakatau means “Child of Krakatau.” It emerged from the remains of the Krakatau volcanic system following the catastrophic 1883 eruption.

The 1883 eruption caused the collapse of much of the original volcanic island and triggered devastating tsunamis, resulting in the deaths of more than 36,000 people.

Significance

The activity of Anak Krakatau highlights the importance of volcanic monitoring, disaster preparedness and tsunami early-warning systems.

The significance was particularly demonstrated by the 2018 flank collapse, which triggered a tsunami in the Sunda Strait.