Scientists have linked a remote volcano in the Kuril Islands to a mysterious weather shift in the early 1800s. The discovery was made by studying sulfur-laden ice core samples and rock chemistry at the Zavaritzki caldera. Researchers matched the chemical signature of the ice cores with that of the volcano’s slopes, revealing a connection between the eruption and cooling temperatures worldwide.
Historical records describe unusual sky hues and a sudden drop in temperature, which scientists suspected was caused by sulfur aerosols reflecting sunlight. But pinpointing the source proved challenging until geologists examined tiny mineral shards under powerful microscopes. These shards were found to be low in potassium, indicating a unique composition unlike many known volcanoes.
The study suggests that Zavaritzki’s complex includes cinder cones formed from gas-charged lava splatters and cools in steep mounds. These clusters can accumulate ash at angles of up to 30 degrees, sometimes forming cones hundreds of feet tall. The discovery highlights the importance of monitoring remote volcanoes, as they can impact global temperatures.
The research has implications for predicting future volcanic eruptions and planning for their consequences. By studying past events like Zavaritzki’s, scientists can better understand how the planet responds to sudden injections of ash and gases, and prepare for potential disasters.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruption-zavaritzki-that-cooled-the-earth-and-turned-the-sun-green