Krakatau (also called Krakatoa) is an island in the Sunda Strait between Sumatra and Java as well as the same-named the island group. This volcano subduction zone belongs to the Indonesian island ring and is highly explosive. Plinian eruptions, pyroclastic flows and minor strombolian eruptions with short lava flows are the frequent types of eruptions.
1883 Krakatau gained tragic notoriety when it self-destructed in a gigantic eruption. The blast of the explosion was heard more than 4800 kilometers away and is considered to be the loudest sound ever heard. Pyroclastic flows and tsunamis devastated large parts of Java and Sumatra and more than 36,400 people were victims of this disaster.
Since 1927 the new volcanic island Anak Krakatau has emerged in the place where once this part of the world was destroyed. The small volcanic island sank several times back into the depths of the ocean, consumed by the relentless surf. It was not until 1930 that the "Child of Krakatau" became a stable island on which new life could soon take hold.
In recent years Anak Krakatau's activity is characterized by strombolian eruptions; a short discharge of lava flows occur and an occasional volcanic eruption. In October 2007, the most recent eruption phase began: below the main crater at the 400-foot summit, a new crater blasted free. Since then, periods of increased activity persist. However, Anak Krakatau is not permanently active.