Near Indonesia is the sea part Bandasjön which is considered to be part of the Pacific Ocean. This part of the sea has an area of about 740,000 km² and here you can find depths of about 7,000 meters. The area is not easy to get into as there are plenty of cliffs and islands around Bandasjön but the middle of the lake is quite open. To the east, Bandasjön borders the Arafura Sea, to the west the Floreshavet, to the north to Lake Moluck and Seramsjön, and to the south to Lake Timor.
Flora and fauna
The plants and species seen in and around Lake Bandasja are a mixture of those found in Asia and Australasia. The islands consist of rainforest and house many species that are unique to the region. The ecosystem has been disturbed by the cats and rodents that humans have introduced on the islands. This is because these animals eat the birds’ eggs. However, there are nature reserves where you work to protect the unique environment. Yamdena, located in the Tanimbar Islands, is a place where nature is still untouched and it is possible to visit this area via the largest of the Maluccu Islands, Ambon Island. There are islands in the area that attract tourists who are interested in snorkeling and diving along beaches that are largely untouched.
Those who come to the Banda Islands to dive can get out by boat to nearby caves located below sea level. In these, for example, there are a lot of sea snakes that are not dangerous and that do not mind people who come closer to peek. Of course, there are also plenty of dangerous snakes in the area, so it is important to move carefully and together with a knowledgeable guide.
Islands and volcanoes
Lake Bandasha is surrounded by islands such as Sulawesi, Buru, Tanimbar Islands, Kai Islands, Timor and Aru Islands. There are also islands towards the middle of the sea and here the Banda Islands can be mentioned. Several of Bandasjön’s islands are active volcanoes such as Gunung Api and Manuk which are located on these islands.
Bandasjön’s tectonic plates
In addition to volcanic activity, this area is often affected by earthquakes, which is due to the fact that it is located on three tectonic plates. The southern edge and northern edge of the lake are places where the three different plates meet and overlap. Sometimes there have been annual earthquakes and sometimes it has been longer between the earthquakes. When the next earthquake will occur is difficult to predict, but researchers are working with good warning systems to protect the population in the area. The earthquake that occurred in 1938 in Lake Bandasjön is considered to be one of the nine largest during the entire 20th century. It measured 8.4 on the Richter scale and created a tsunami at a height of about 1.5 meters. Despite the fact that it was a very serious earthquake, no people seem to have been injured as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.