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LAMPUNG – New land measuring about 30.3 hectares has emerged near Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) in South Lampung, Indonesia, sparking speculation it could be the beginning of a new volcano forming, dubbed the "grandchild of Krakatau".
The land is located between Anak Krakatau Island and Sertung Island and is believed to have formed from the accumulation of volcanic material from GAK's eruptive activity.
Chief of the Anak Krakatau Monitoring Post in Hargo Pancuran village Suwarno confirmed the existence of the land.
According to him, the land did not form suddenly after the latest eruption, but rather from volcanic material that had accumulated as Anak Krakatau's activity increased.
The material began appearing following an increase in the volcano's activity after its status was raised to Level III (Siaga/Alert) on July 2.
"Yes, it's the result of previous eruptions. About 30.3 hectares," he said.
Suwarno said the land remains under monitoring by officers and is still located around the Mount Anak Krakatau complex and Sertung Island.
Its emergence then sparked speculation among the public that the area could be the starting point for the formation of a new volcano, dubbed the "grandchild of Krakatau".
However, Suwarno stressed there is not yet any basis for such a conclusion.
He explained that Mount Anak Krakatau has a magma channel system beneath the surface, and magma will naturally seek the easiest fissure to escape through.
However, the emergence of the new land does not necessarily indicate there is a new magma channel at the location.
So far, authorities also do not yet know whether there is magma movement heading toward the land area, or whether it could become the centre of a new eruption.
Meanwhile, Mount Anak Krakatau's status was downgraded from Level III (Siaga/Alert) to Level II (Waspada/Watch) on Monday, after an assessment showed a decline in eruptive activity, earthquakes and changes to the mountain's shape.
Despite the downgrade, the public is still advised not to carry out any activity within a two-kilometre radius of the active crater. - Agencies
