Mount Tambora ! The Largest Volcanic Eruption in Human History
The eruption of Mount Tambora was the largest ever in human history. Who would have thought that the most beautiful mountain in the Nusa Tenggara Islands had become the world’s attention?
Meanwhile, Mount Tambora is very famous for its beauty and rich fauna and flora. Many mountain climbers from around the world try their skills to conquer the highest peak of this mountain.
Tambora Eruption Facts
The eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 occurred when the world’s population was already numerous. When compared to the eruption of Mount Krakatau, the victims caused are not as many as Mount Tambora.
So, what is the history of the eruption of Mount Tambora that occurred in the 18th century? How much did it affect the condition of the world at that time?
The Great Earthquake
Before the historic eruption, a series of small and large-scale earthquakes began to hit the earth around Mount Tambora. Like there will be a big monster that will come out of the bowels of the earth. And a few days later right in April 1815, the devastating eruption occurred.
A deafening roar then the sky was showered with rocks, lava, and ash. Instantly the sky turned pitch black.
The agency that ranks mountain eruptions, the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) says the eruption of Mount Tambora is a level 7 eruption, which is the biggest eruption in the history of mankind. Even the eruption of Mount Tambora was 10 times that of Mount Krakatau.
Mountain Height Shrinks Drastically
The height of Mount Rinjani 3726 meters above sea level beats the current peak of Mount Tambora. The two mountains are both located in the southeast Nusa Tenggara islands. These two mountains are also both the pride of the people of the southeast Nusa Tenggara islands, Indonesia. With Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara while Mount Tambora is in East Nusa Tenggara.
Indeed, Mount Tambora is inferior in terms of size. But did you know that Mount Tambora was the highest peak in Southeast Asia at that time?
Mount Tambora as high as about 4500 meters above sea level at that time shrank to about 2700 meters above sea level due to the devastating eruption at that time. Then that resulted in part of the mountain being destroyed along with volcanic lava. You can imagine how devastating the eruption of Mount Tambora was at that time. At that time, the earth’s population was already very large.
The Earth Becomes Dark
No less phenomenal effect of the eruption of Mount Tambora was that the earth had become pitch black at that time. Sunlight at that time was unable to penetrate the atmosphere filled with volcanic particles and dust for almost a week.
In fact, there are sources that say that summer disappeared from the earth. And winter was worse than the previous winter. Extreme cold weather hit the earth’s inhabitants for almost a year.
Other sources say that the rains failed to fall, causing a long dry season for the earth. Agriculture was destroyed, causing the population to experience severe hunger.
Depopulation Occurred
According to historical literacy, the effects of the eruption of Mount Tambora caused depopulation in the form of the extinction of local kingdoms at that time. Even the inhabitants of Tambora, the local population, were declared extinct at that time.
Meanwhile, depopulation was also experienced by giant animals, namely dinosaurs, 60 million years ago. Researchers believe that the extinction of dinosaurs was caused by many volcanic eruptions in ancient times.
Similarly, the eruption of Mount Tambora caused tens of thousands of people to die. Some even say the victims at that time reached 100,000 fatalities. Such a large number for a human tragedy caused by nature.
Asia’s Largest Crater
The eruption of Mt. Tambora caused the formation of the largest mountain crater in the world. Which, the crater has a width of about 7 km and a circumference of about 16 km. The size of the crater, makes it the largest and deepest crater reaching 800 m.
In addition, the crater of Mt. Tambora is still active and erupted in 2018. Mount Tambora had been asleep for a long time and showed no signs of being an active volcano after the big eruption.
The mountain with the largest crater in the world actually makes Mt. Tambora interesting to visit. You must experience being at the top of Mt. Tambora and feel the sensation of being at the top of the most historic mountain in the world.
Thought To Be a Cannon Explosion
In 1815, most countries in the world were still experiencing turmoil and colonization from other nations. including Indonesia at that time which was colonized by several other countries.
At that time, British troops who at that time entered Indonesia thought that the eruption of Mt. Tambora at that time was a cannon eruption.
Sangkin strong eruption of Mt. Tambora, Sir Thomas Raffles war leader from England asked his troops to investigate the source of the eruption. Who would have thought that the eruption of Mount Tambora could be heard for hundreds of kilometers?
Confusing Shipping Navigation
International shipping conditions at that time were really in a confusing situation. However, the effect of the eruption of Mount Tambora made the position of the sun difficult to detect. Moreover, the conditions at that time changed the world’s lighting.
At that time, the world seemed dark without any sunlight. This condition cannot be separated from the many particles that covered the earth’s atmosphere at that time.
Who would have thought that, the eruption of Mt. Tambora changed the history of warfare in the world? Many countries at that time postponed the war. Even countries like England seem to have to thank Mount Tambora for helping them win the grueling war against the Napoleonic Empire.
Summary
Thus a review of the history of the eruption of the historic mountain, Mt. Tambora. Which eruption of this mountain caused massive changes in the world. Starting from population depopulation, famine, winter, drought, and changing the course of warfare in the world at that time.
Mt. Tambora has now turned into a beautiful mountain and an amazing mountain climbing tour. The government has made Mount Tambora a national park area that receives special attention. All animals and plants here are objects that must be protected.
While tourism is growing rapidly with significant progress. The Indonesian government is very serious about managing Mount Tambora National Park into a world-class tourist destination.
After this review, are you interested in visiting this historic mountain in the southeast Nusa Tenggara islands? Rinjani trekking specialist, as a professional trekking organizer, will guide you to get to the top of Mount Tambora. Feel the sensation of being at the top of Tambora with nature that unfolds so beautifully.
Read here: Join the Adventures of Hiking this Volcanic Mountain
Parman Trekker
Rinjani Trekking Specialist
North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Post Code 83354
Mobile Phone or WhatsApp: +081353144856
