Enormous Eruptions Stage 4 Quiz

Enormous Eruptions

• Volcanoes can be both fascinating and dangerous, with rare eruptions causing widespread devastation.
• The five deadliest recorded volcanic eruptions resulted in significant loss of life.

Unzen (Japan, 1792)

• Mount Unzen erupted, leading to an earthquake and landslide that impacted Shimabara city.
• The landslide initiated a tsunami in the Ariake Sea, resulting in approximately 15,000 deaths.

Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia, 1985)

• The eruption destroyed Armero and caused mudslides affecting the town of Chinchiná.
• Over 25,000 people perished due to the ash and mudflows.

Mount Pelée (Martinique, 1902)

• No warning systems existed during the eruption; the town of St. Pierre was buried in minutes.
• Approximately 30,000 residents died, in part because many fled from rural areas to the town seeking safety.

Krakatau (Indonesia, 1883)

• One of the most significant eruptions in history, creating ash that fell 500 miles away.
• Explosions were reportedly the loudest sounds ever recorded on Earth; they triggered tsunamis killing over 35,000 people.
• The eruption caused atmospheric changes, resulting in vivid red sunsets observed globally.

Tambora (Indonesia, 1815)

• This eruption was the largest ever recorded, blocking sunlight for months, leading to the "year without a summer."
• Areas as distant as Europe and North America witnessed summer snow; crops failed, resulting in widespread disease and famine.
• Nearly 80,000 deaths were attributed to starvation and illness following the eruption.

Additional Facts

• The historical eruptions listed highlight the potential catastrophic consequences of volcanic activity.
• Ongoing eruptions at Krakatau pose no immediate danger despite its active vent.