In 1831, a massive volcanic eruption cooled Earth’s climate by ejecting sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, but the volcano's identity remained unknown—until now. Scientists have identified the source as Zavaritskii volcano on Simushir Island in the Kuril archipelago. The eruption, one of the largest of the 19th century, dropped Northern Hemisphere temperatures by 1°C (1.8°F) during the Little Ice Age, contributing to widespread famine.
Using ice cores from Greenland, researchers matched volcanic ash and sulfur isotopes to Zavaritskii, whose last known eruption was around 800 BC. The caldera created by the 1831 explosion spans 1.87 miles, and the event significantly disrupted global climate. Other major eruptions during this period, such as Mount Tambora in 1815, also marked the waning of the Little Ice Age.
The examination of ice cores in Greenland provided clues about the "mystery volcano" that erupted in 1831. Michael Sigl
The study highlights the climatic impact of volcanoes in remote areas, which are poorly monitored, making future eruptions hard to predict. The researchers urge the scientific community to better prepare for potential global consequences of volcanic activity, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to address these challenges.
