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Ars Technica
Volcanoes that made history
On August 27, 1883, Krakatau erupted, obliterating two islands and killing over 36,000 people through tsunamis ignited by the explosion. This disaster was the first documented globally due to the advent of telecommunications, leading to a deeper understanding of volcanology. The eruption's sulfur emissions resulted in a global temperature drop and dramatically altered climate, impacting weather patterns and human activities for years to come.
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Published 23 Aug 2026, 11:55 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Krakatau eruption occurred in 1883, destroying two islands.
- Over 36,000 fatalities resulted from tsunamis following the eruption.
- First global communication of a volcanic disaster via telegram.
- Laid foundations for modern volcanology.
- Eruption caused global average summer temperatures to drop.
Interesting facts
- The eruption influenced climate by spreading aerosols that reflected sunlight.
- Artists captured the eruption's effects through vivid paintings, impacting cultural history.
What changed