#127: Feeling A 'lil Gassy

The Story Behind Feeling A 'lil Gassy

Illustrated by EEK.

Have you ever read about the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883? Located on an island near Indonesia, the volcano came to life in a major way that summer when it started venting steam and causing earthquakes until it awoke completely on August 27. Four massive explosions ripped forth from Krakatoa and started the deadliest phase of the volcano’s eruption. Things got intense. A pressure wave from one of the explosions was so loud that it could be heard a record 3,100 miles away. It was so intense, in fact, that it shattered the eardrums of sailors 40 miles away. Tsunamis caused by the explosions raced across the globe, causing death and destruction in massive numbers. Yeah, Krakatoa wasn’t messing around. When it was all said and done, the eruption completely destroyed 70% of the island and caused over 36,000 deaths.

I often sit in awe at the majesty and the danger of Mother Nature. I think we can sometimes forget that she can do whatever the heck she wants. Yes, she can create beautiful vistas like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls but she can also shake us off her as if we are just pestering fleas. Events like the Krakatoa eruption prove that no matter how strong and powerful we get as a species, Earth always has the bigger muscles.

Plain Text Description of Feeling A 'lil Gassy

Two volcanoes are situated next to each other in the ocean. One has puffs of gas emitting from the caldera, and states, “I’ve been feeling a lil gassy lately.”