A team of scientists has finally identified the source of a major volcanic eruption in 1831 that had a significant impact on global climate. The discovery sheds new light on past climate events and highlights potential future disruptions from volcanoes.
The 1831 eruption caused a noticeable cooling effect, with Earth’s climate dropping by about 1 degree Celsius in the Northern Hemisphere. This was during the Little Ice Age, a period marked by cooler global temperatures. The massive eruption spewed sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, leading to widespread famines in areas such as India, Japan, and Europe.
Researchers discovered that the anomaly originated from a midlatitude volcano in the Northern Hemisphere, rather than a tropical one. They achieved this breakthrough by analyzing ice cores in Greenland and comparing sulfur isotopes, ash grains, and volcanic glass shards found between 1831 and 1834. The study confirmed that Zavaritskii, located on Simushir Island in the Kuril Islands archipelago, was responsible for the climatic shift.
The discovery provides fresh insights into historical climate dynamics during a time when several major eruptions occurred. Other significant eruptions happened between 1808 and 1835, including Mount Tambora in Indonesia and Cosegüina in Nicaragua. These events highlight areas like the Kuril Islands as potential trouble spots for future disruptions.
The study highlights how little is known about remote volcanoes’ histories and their potential impact on global climates. Researchers emphasized the need for improved monitoring and preparedness measures to mitigate the effects of future volcanic eruptions.
Source: https://indiandefencereview.com/hidden-climate-disruptions-the-surprising-source-of-the-1831-eruption