A mysterious volcanic eruption in the Kuril Islands in 1831 sent sulfur-laden ash high into the sky, cooling the planet and tinting the Sun green. Now, new research has connected this remote eruption to a significant climate shift.
Scientists analyzed ice core samples from Antarctica and Greenland, which contained traces of sulfur-rich particles matching those found on Zavaritzki’s slopes. This volcano, located in Simushir Island, was previously overlooked in historical accounts. However, the breakthrough came when researchers compared mineral composition with fresh rock samples, confirming a match.
The eruption caused unusual atmospheric effects worldwide, including a greenish Sun and unseasonal storms. People experienced cooling temperatures, with early frosts and failed harvests reported in Europe. The impact echoed other historic volcanic events, like the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption.
A key discovery was that the ash from Zavaritzki had low potassium levels, ruling out well-known volcanoes in Iceland or Alaska. This led researchers to explore lesser-known chains like the Kuril Islands, ultimately linking the remote volcano to global weather patterns.
High-latitude volcanoes like Zavaritzki pose a unique threat by injecting sulfur aerosols into the upper atmosphere, where they can linger for months or years. A well-known example is the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, which lowered global temperatures by 0.5°C (0.9°F).
Today, scientists highlight the need for better monitoring systems in remote volcanic regions. Sudden eruptions from unobserved volcanoes could have significant consequences for global climate, agriculture, and economies. Expanding surveillance networks and using satellite imaging can help predict eruptions before they disrupt the planet’s delicate balance.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/02/eruption-cooled-earth-and-turned-sun-green