WHAT HAPPENED in1883:

the eruption of Krakatoa

1883 eruption of Krakatoa
A lithograph of the eruption (circa 1888).
Volcano	Krakatoa super-caldera
Date	August 26-27, 1883
Type	Ultra Plinian
Location	Krakatau archipelago 6°06′07″S 105°25′23″E / 6.102°S 105.423°E / -6.102; 105.423Coordinates: 6°06′07″S 105°25′23″E / 6.102°S 105.423°E / -6.102; 105.423
VEI	6
Impact	The final explosive eruption was heard 3,000 miles away; caused at least 36,417 deaths; 20 million tons of sulfur released into the atmosphere; produced a volcanic winter (reducing worldwide temperatures by an average of 1.2°C for 5 years); and was the loudest explosion in recorded history.
A map of Krakatoa after the 1883 eruption, showing the change in geography.

The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa in the Dutch East Indies (now in Indonesia) began on August 26, 1883 and culminated with several destructive eruptions of Krakatoa, which On August 27, ⅔ of Krakatoa collapsed in a chain of titanic explosions, destroying most of the island and its surrounding archipelago. Additional alleged seismic activity continued to be reported until February 1884, though reports of those after October 1883 were later dismissed by Rogier Verbeek's investigation. It was one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in recorded history, with at least 36,417 deaths being attributed to the eruption itself and the tsunamis it created. Significant additional effects were also felt around the world.