194 years ago, the temperature plummeted and famine ravaged Europe. Researchers now know it was caused by the Zavaritskii volcano.
Discovering The Source Of The 1831 Famine
For centuries, Simushir Island didn't attract much attention, but today, we know it's the location of a massive volcanic eruption with unparalleled aftermath. How did this one incident wreak havoc on 19th-century societies?
A 200-Year-Old Puzzle
The early 19th century witnessed a series of climatic anomalies with drastic consequences, most notably after the famous eruption of Tambora in 1815. Yet, the abrupt cooling and weather extremes of 1831 puzzled scientists for decades. How and why did this happen?
Jialiang Gao (peace-on-earth.org), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
No Answers Were To Be Found
Despite abundant evidence pointing to another significant volcanic event, the source remained elusive. Historians and geologists speculated on various candidates, including eruptions in the Mediterranean and the Pacific, but no conclusive evidence tied these events to the observed phenomena.
Journey to the heart of a volcano by South China Morning Post
Some Clues Were There
Historical records from 1831 paint a grim picture of unpredictable weather, unexplained chaos, reduced sunlight, and widespread agricultural failures. Crops withered under unseasonal frosts in some regions, while others experienced relentless downpours that washed away entire harvests.
And The Aftermath Was Devastating
The repercussions were severe. They included famine, economic downturns, increased migration, and the overall societal unrest that would naturally come with these phenomena. Scientists could see what was happening but didn't know what it could be.
