Scientists Uncover Origin of 1831 Volcano Eruption That Cooled Earth's Climate

Scientists have identified the source of a significant volcanic eruption that occurred in 1831, which is believed to have caused global climate cooling. After nearly two centuries of mystery, researchers have traced the eruption to the Zavaritskii volcano on Simushir Island, part of the Kuril Islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean.

The eruption, one of the most powerful of the 19th century, released a vast amount of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to a temperature drop of approximately 1 degree Celsius in the Northern Hemisphere. This event coincided with the closing phase of the Little Ice Age, a period marked by unusually low temperatures.

Utilizing ice core samples from Greenland, scientists analyzed sulfur isotopes, ash particles, and volcanic glass shards. They matched these samples with volcanic activity, ultimately linking the eruption to Zavaritskii, which had previously been thought to be dormant since 800 BC.

Dr. William Hutchison from the University of St. Andrews, who led the research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, expressed surprise that such a significant eruption went unreported at the time. The findings imply that many remote volcanoes remain poorly documented, highlighting their potential for major climatic impacts.

The study suggests that the cooling effects of the 1831 eruption contributed to widespread agricultural failures and famines in several regions, including India and Europe, following the volcanic activity. As climate patterns change, the research emphasizes the need for improved monitoring of volcanic activity in isolated areas.