On August 27, 1883, Krakatoa, a volcanic island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia, erupted with unprecedented force. This reshaped the region and profoundly impacted the global climate. 

Interesting Facts:

• The eruption actually began on August 26, 1883, but peaked on August 27. The explosion was so powerful that it was heard over 3,000 miles away, with reports of the sound being heard as far as Australia and the island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean.
• The eruption ejected an estimated 20 cubic miles of rock, ash, and pumice into the atmosphere. The resulting volcanic cloud reached heights of up to 50 miles, significantly impacting atmospheric conditions and leading to dramatic temperature fluctuations worldwide.
• The eruption caused massive tsunamis, with waves reaching as high as 120 feet. These tsunamis devastated coastal communities around the Sunda Strait, resulting in the deaths of over 36,000 people. Entire villages were swept away, and the destruction was immense.
• The ash and sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere led to a phenomenon known as the “year without a summer.” The volcanic particles caused global temperatures to drop, resulting in climate anomalies and severe weather patterns for the following year. The phenomenon of “volcanic winter” was observed, with cooler temperatures and unusual weather conditions across the globe.
• The eruption caused much of Krakatoa Island to collapse, creating a caldera partially filled by the sea. This collapse significantly altered the geography of the region. The eruption also led to the creation of a new volcanic island, Anak Krakatau, which began to emerge from the sea in 1927 and continues to be an active volcano today.
• The eruption of Krakatoa sparked a surge of scientific interest and research into volcanic activity and its global effects. It also profoundly impacted art and literature, with many works of the period reflecting the awe-inspiring and terrifying nature of the eruption.