Six Biggest Volcanic Eruptions in World History
- TIME| Corbis
VIVA – Natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are difficult to predict. But the most recent volcanic eruption occurred in Indonesia, exactly on Mount Semeru. In the last two years, the mountain has erupted twice. Also, there’s a Yellowstone eruption in the United States.
Well, here are the biggest volcanic eruptions in world history, as reported by various sources.
1. Yellowstone Eruption, United States
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
- Getty Images
The largest volcanic eruption in the world is the Yellowstone eruption. This ancient mountain erupted 640,000 years ago. According to the United States Geological Survey, this massive eruption released lava and ash that filled the Grand Canyon.
Scientists have discovered that there are large plumes of magma underneath Yellowstone. This volcanic eruption created a huge crater about 48 by 72 km.
2. Mount Tambora, Indonesia Caldera
Gunung Tambora.
- U-Report
Mount Tambora is one of the 100 active volcanoes in Indonesia, its first eruption occurred in 1815 which shook the world with its side effects that could change the world's climate.
In addition, the eruption of the Tambora volcano caused a lot of damage to the surrounding plants causing climate change in North America. The incident was recorded to have killed 90 thousand of people.
3. Mount Krakatau, Indonesia
(Ilustrasi) Gunung Anak Krakatau menghembuskan abu vulkanik.
- VIVA/Yandi Deslatama
Mount Krakatau is also one of the 100 volcanoes that are still active and can erupt at any time. The first eruption occurred in 1883 and killed 35 thousand because the eruption of the Krakatau volcano was accompanied by a tsunami. In addition, the eruption was not just once and was heard in the neighboring country of Australia.
4. Mount Pelee, France
Mount Pelee is a volcano that is still active today. The first eruption of the Pelee volcano occurred in 1902 and destroyed the city of St. Pierre and killed 30 thousand victims.
In addition, the mountain erupted again on May 7, 1920, and was recorded as the largest eruption that caused the most casualties in history. In the Pelee volcano eruption, only two people survived, namely Ludger Sylbaris and Leon Compere Leandre.
5. Mount Ruiz, Colombia
Mount Ruiz experienced two eruptions in 1985. The eruptions were accompanied by mud, ash, and water flowing down the slopes through river channels.
The eruption of the Ruiz volcano resulted in lava that buried the city of Armero and caused the death of 23,000 people. The event is called the Armero tragedy or Nevado del Ruiz, called the "sleeping lion" by local people.
6. Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Gunung berapi vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is located in Italy. Its first eruption occurred in 79 AD. The volcanic eruption destroyed the neighboring towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Thousands of people died, and its last eruption occurred in 1944.
In addition, the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano drove the city of Pompeii with all its contents several feet deep, causing the city to disappear for 1,600 years before it was accidentally rediscovered. Since its rediscovery, the city has provided an incredible glimpse into the life of a city.
