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The scale of the dramatic collapse of the Indonesian volcano that caused a devastating tsunami a week ago in the Sunda Strait, connecting the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean, becomes clearer.
The researchers examined satellite imagery. from Anak Krakatau to calculate the amount of rock and ash thrown into the sea. They say that the volcano lost more than two-thirds of its height and volume last week.
A large part of it could have slipped into the sea in one movement. This would certainly explain the displacement of water and the generation of waves up to five meters high that flooded the neighboring coast of Java and Sumatra.
The Indonesian Disaster Prevention Agency indicates that more than 400 people have been confirmed and 20 people. are still missing. ” clbad=”img img-responsive image-large”/>
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation of the Country (PVMBG) has studied images of several radar satellites, which have the advantage of seeing the surface of the Earth.
What was once a 340-meter-high volcanic cone is today only 110 meters
which allowed some initial measurements of the height lost by Anak Krakatau to be made, especially on the side Where is. of height, says the PVMBG. In terms of volume, 150 to 170 million cubic meters of material were removed, leaving only 40 to 70 million cubic meters
Scientists predicted a catastrophe
lost on December 22 in itself and how much of that happened in the following days is still unknown. Scientists may have a better idea once they have the opportunity to visit the volcano and conduct more in-depth research.
But with the eruptions still ongoing and a security exclusion zone in place, no one can approach Anak Krakatau.
The collapse of the cone with the tsunami generation was considered a potential risk before last Saturday.
Scientists predicted this possibility six years ago and had identified the west side of Anak Krakatau as the highest section.