Researchers Identify 1831 'Mystery Volcano' That Cooled Earth's Climate

The Zavaritskii volcano on a remote Kuril Island is confirmed as the source of the massive eruption that caused global cooling and widespread famines in the 19th century.

The 1831 eruption of the Zavaritskii volcano on Simushir Island in the Kuril archipelago caused a 1°C drop in Northern Hemisphere temperatures, impacting global agriculture and leading to famines.
The volcano's remote location and lack of historical records delayed its identification for nearly 200 years, with researchers previously attributing the event to tropical volcanoes.
Scientists used geochemical analysis of Greenland ice cores, volcanic ash, and sulfur isotopes to match the eruption to Zavaritskii's caldera, confirming its role in the climate-altering event.
The eruption occurred during the Little Ice Age, a period of significant global cooling, exacerbating the harsh climatic conditions of the time.
The findings highlight the risks posed by poorly monitored remote volcanoes and underscore the need for international coordination to prepare for future large-scale eruptions.