When we consider a question like this, we should make clear that we mean in recorded history—that is, in history of which we have a record. In prehistoric times, and in those days when the earth was forming and taking shape, there must have been incredible eruptions and earthquakes.

But as far as we know from records, the greatest eruption took place m 1883 on the volcanic island of Krakatoa in the Dutch East Indies (Republic of Indonesia). The most violent part of the volcanic explosions took place on the morning of August 27 of that year.

Let us see what were some of the effects of this amazing explosion. First of all, the whole northern and lower portions of the island itself were simply blown away! Before the explosion, the island had an area of 18 square miles, and rose from 91 to 4,250 metros above the sea. After the explosion, there was a “hole” in the bottom of the ocean that went down more than 300 meters below sea level!

The columns of stones, dust, and ashes rose 17 miles into the air, and as this material began to spread out it created darkness in the middle of the day in places 150 miles away!

The actual sound of the volcanic explosions were heard over a vast area. In fact, this was the farthest that the sound of an explosion has ever traveled—3,000 miles!

Probably the most serious damage done by this tremendous explosion came as a result of the waves it set up in the oceans. The largest of the waves reached a height of I S metros, destroyed whole villages, and caused the deaths of 36,000 human beings. These waves also traveled great distances and may even have reached the English Channel, 11,000 miles away.

Incidentally, the volcano on Krakatoa became active again in 1927, but luckily, it was not a major volcanic explosion.