Scientists Identify Volcano Behind Climate Shift 200 Years Ago
Researchers have identified Zavaritski, a volcano on Simushir island in the Kuril Islands, as the likely cause of a significant climate shift recorded in 1831, according to a study published in December 2024. This eruption cooled the Northern Hemisphere's climate by approximately 1.8°F (1°C) during that year, coinciding with reports of gloomy weather and unusual sunsets.
Simushir, a small Russian island that was once a Soviet naval base, is home to four prominent volcanoes, and Zavaritski was previously considered dormant outside of an eruption in 1957. The breakthrough came as scientists matched ash deposits found in polar ice cores to the eruption, revealing its pivotal role in altering global climate conditions, said lead author William Hutchison from the University of St Andrews.
The archipelago sits within the Pacific's "Ring of Fire," a known hotspot for volcanic activity. The findings mark a significant development in understanding the impacts of volcanic eruptions on climate, especially given the isolated nature of Simushir.
Russian Federation