Captured on December 2, 2023, by the Landsat 8’s Operational Land Imager, a satellite image reveals the volcanic plume emanating from Anak Krakatau volcano.
Situated between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia, this seemingly modest volcano harbors a history of devastation.
Despite its small size and seemingly unthreatening appearance, Anak Krakatau consistently demonstrates its formidable and at times intimidating volcanic strength through regular eruptions.
The image taken by Landsat 8’s Operational Land Imager (OLI) on December 2, 2023, displays a volcanic plume originating from the volcano. This image includes a distinctive infrared signature (shown in red) indicative of the high temperature of the lava in the crater near the island’s peak.
Since the start of the Holocene around 11,700 years ago, geologists have recorded 57 eruptive phases at this site. The ongoing eruptive phase, which commenced in May 2021 and persisted into December 2023, is characterized by frequent but relatively mild Strombolian eruptions, discharging volcanic gases and ash. The volcanic debris is usually propelled a few hundred meters above the peak, with occasional lava flows descending the island’s sides and reaching the ocean.
Starting November 26, 2023, the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation observed more forceful explosions, with volcanic material plumes reaching heights of up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the vent. In light of the increased activity, the center has advised maintaining a minimum distance of 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the crater. Additionally, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Darwin, Australia, has repeatedly cautioned the aviation sector about the increased risk of ash in the vicinity.
Notably, the volcano is known for a catastrophic eruption and subsequent tsunami in 1883, one of the most lethal and destructive volcanic events in recent history. This event completely destroyed the island of Krakatau. Approximately fifty years later, a new island named Anak Krakatau (“child of Krakatau” in Indonesian) emerged. As recent as December 2018, a significant eruption leading to the collapse of part of Anak Krakatau’s southwestern flank resulted in a tsunami, causing numerous fatalities and injuries on Java and Sumatra.
This NASA Earth Observatory image was produced by Lauren Dauphin, utilizing data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anak Krakatau Eruption
What is Anak Krakatau?
Anak Krakatau is a small volcanic island located between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra, known for its frequent and sometimes intense volcanic activity.
When was the latest satellite image of Anak Krakatau’s eruption captured?
The latest satellite image of Anak Krakatau’s eruption was captured on December 2, 2023, by the Operational Land Imager on the Landsat 8 satellite.
How many eruptive periods has Anak Krakatau had?
Geologists have recorded 57 eruptive periods for Anak Krakatau since the beginning of the Holocene, about 11,700 years ago.
What is the significance of the 1883 eruption of Anak Krakatau?
The 1883 eruption of Anak Krakatau is infamous for producing a massive explosion and tsunami, making it one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in modern history.
What recent warnings have been issued regarding Anak Krakatau?
As of November 2023, the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation began reporting more intense explosions at Anak Krakatau, advising the public to stay at least 5 kilometers away from the crater. Additionally, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Darwin, Australia, issued multiple warnings to the aviation community about the elevated risks of ash.
