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| The Bewildering Magnetic Phenomenon of Jabuka Island |
Have you ever heard of a mysterious island where compasses go haywire and electronic devices fail to work? This island is known as Jabuka Island (Apple Island), which gets its name from the Croatian language. It is an island with a mysterious magnetic power that can disrupt navigation systems and pose great danger to ships sailing the vast sea. This uninhabited volcanic island is located in the Adriatic Sea.
The Adriatic Volcanic Triangle
Jabuka Island, along with Brusnik Island and Svetac Island, has formed what is known as the famous Adriatic Volcanic Triangle. These three volcanic islands, along with others in the vicinity, were formed from ancient magma eruptions resulting from the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea over 200 million years ago. This island in the Croatian region is the farthest island from the Croatian mainland. In 1958, Jabuka Island was declared a geological natural monument.
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| Jabuka Island, Mysterious Magnetic Island |
Challenging Access to Jabuka Island
Jabuka Island is estimated to be 226 million years old. This 22,585 m² island consists of very steep rocky cliffs, over 97 meters high, rich in iron, giving it a high magnetic strength. Unlike most islands, there is no part of the island suitable for landing ships or boats. Jabuka Island lacks a bay, hence there are no gentle beaches like typical islands. The only relatively accessible area of Jabuka Island is in the southwest, which is also steep cliffs.
The Mysterious Magnetic Force of Jabuka Island
The most intriguing phenomenon of Jabuka Island is its incredibly strong magnetic force that can disrupt the compass direction of ships sailing nearby. This causes the ships to lose their course because the compass pointing the ship's direction is thrown off. This magnetic disturbance truly puzzles scientists as the influence of this mysterious magnetism can still be felt up to 20 km away.
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| Jabuka Island |
Causes of The Magnetic Anomaly of Jabuka Island
Although the exact cause of this magnetic anomaly is not known, the presence of concentrated natural iron oxides in the rock formations of Jabuka Island is believed to be responsible for the magnetic effects observed. This strange phenomenon has even earned Jabuka Island the nickname 'Devil's Island' among sailors. Many terrifying stories are associated with the magnetic field of Jabuka Island, such as compasses spinning uncontrollably, ultimately causing sailors to lose their way. They are forced to rely on traditional navigation knowledge to steer clear of this dangerous island.
An Island with Beautiful yet Hazardous Waters
In reality, Jabuka Island boasts beautiful nature, with crystal-clear waters rich in fish. However, no one is eager to approach this island. Aside from the fear of its magnetic phenomena, the waters around the island also have strong currents, coupled with unpredictable and rapidly changing weather conditions. Additionally, Jabuka Island's terrain is often struck by lightning due to its iron-rich rocks.
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| Jabuka Island |
Preservation of the Island Due to Its Remote Location
Fortunately, Jabuka Island is far from major sea shipping routes, reducing the risk of encountering ships or boats in its vicinity. Because of its remote location, the island is relatively untouched by human activities, thus preserving its rugged and wild beauty. It serves as a sanctuary for a variety of marine life and a paradise for those seeking to explore the wonders of nature.
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