Science
Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano erupts, disrupting air travel across Java and Sumatra
Scientific American reports that the eruption temporarily grounded thousands of flights before normal travel operations resumed.
The short version
- Anak Krakatau erupted for over 24 hours across September 5 and 6, sending gas and ash plumes up to 50,000 feet high.[Scientific American]
- The eruption led to the temporary closure of eight airports and disrupted thousands of flights across Java and Sumatra.[Scientific American]
- Flight services have since resumed, though the volcano remains at Indonesia's second-highest alert level.[Scientific American]
Key facts
- Anak Krakatau erupted continuously for more than 24 hours between September 5 and 6.[Scientific American]
- According to Indonesian meteorologists, the ash column reached heights of 20,000 feet east of the volcano and 50,000 feet to its west.[Scientific American]
- The ash cloud caused disruptions to thousands of flights and prompted the temporary closure of eight airports across Java and Sumatra.[Scientific American]
- NASA and USGS Landsat 8 satellites recorded satellite imagery of ash clouds drifting over the Indian Ocean.[Scientific American]
- Flight operations have restarted, but authorities maintain the site at the nation's second-highest volcanic alert status.[Scientific American]
What remains uncertain
- Whether future activity will escalate again remains uncertain as the volcano continues mild, sporadic activity under an elevated alert level.[Scientific American]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Indonesian volcano erupts with enough force to see from spaceScientific American metered