Can you please tell me if Krakatoa or Tambora was the most explosive volcanic eruption and also a bit of data about these two huge eruptions would be very much appreciated. Also, what are the Ten biggest volcanic eruptions, both in terms of explosive force, and destruction caused, we've had in recorded time.

rockyDavid Elsley

Dear David,

Using the Volcanic Explosivity Index as a guide, Tambora (VEI=7) was more explosive than the 1883 eruption of Krakatau (VEI=6). The initial explosion of the 1815 eruption of Tambora was larger than the explosion of Krakatau. At Tambora, the caldera collapsed and about (40 cubic kilometers) of ash were erupted. About 10,000 people were killed by the eruption. Crop loss and famine killed 80,000 more people. The eruption at Krakatau Krakatau was heard 2,500 miles (4,000 km) away. The volume of the eruption is estimated to be 4 cubic miles (18 cubic km). The caldera formed by the eruption is 4 miles (6 km) in diameter. Tsunami triggered by the eruption killed 36,000 people.
As for the biggest volcanic eruptions, only four eruptions in the last 10,000 have been assigned a VEI of 7. They are:

Tambora, Indonesia 1815

Baitoushan, China-Korea border, about 1050

Kikai, Japan, about 4350 B.C.

Crater Lake, Oregon, USA, about 4895 B.C.

A VEI of 6 has been assigned to 39 volcanoes that erupted in the last 10,000.

A Big Ten list of eruptions based on explosive force and destruction in histot of eruptions based on explosive force and destruction in historical time would include:

1. Tambora, Indonesia 1815: VEI=7, 92,000 casualties

2. Santorini, Greece 1628 B.C.: VEI=6, unknown casualties

3. Krakatau, Indonesia 1883: VEI=6, 36,400 casualties

4. Santa Maria, Guatemala 1902: VEI=6, 6,000 casualties

5. Mount St. Helens, USA 1980: VEI=5, 57 casualties

6. Vesuvius, Italy 79: VEI=5, 3,360 casualties

7. Pinatubo, Philippines 1991: VEI=5, 932 casualties

8. Mount Pelee, Martinique 1902: VEI=4, 29,000 casualties

9. Nevado del Ruiz, Columbia 1985: VEI=3, 23,000 casualties

10. Unzen, Japan 1792: VEI=2, 15,000 casualties.

Thanks for making me compile this list.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

Sources of information:

Decker, R., and Decker, B., 1989, Volcanoes: W.H. Freeman, New York, 285 p.

Nuhfer, E.B., Proctor, R.J., and Moser, P.H., 1993, The citizen's guide to geologic hazards: American Institute of Professional Geologists, Arvada, CO, 134 p.

Simkin, T., and Fiske, R.S., Krakatau 1883: The volcanic eruption and its effects: Smithsonian Institution Press: Washington, D.C., 464 p.

Simkin, T., and Siebert, L., 1994, Volcanoes of the world: Geoscience Press, Tucson, Arizona, 349 p. 

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