Potential Atmospheric Impact of the Toba Mega‐Eruption ∼71,000 Years Ago

An ∼6‐year long period of volcanic sulfate recorded in the GISP2 ice core about 71,100 ± 5000 years ago may provide detailed information on the atmospheric and climatic impact of the Toba mega‐eruption. Deposition of these aerosols occur at the beginning of an ∼1000‐year long stadial event, but not...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zielinski, G. A., Mayewski, Paul Andrew, Meeker, L. D., Whitlow, S., Twickler, M. S., Taylor, K.
Format: Text
Language:unknown
Published: DigitalCommons@UMaine 1996
Subjects:
Glaciogeology
Geochemistry
Glaciology
Cryology
Climate Change
Climate
Earth Sciences
Hydrology
ice core
Online Access:https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ers_facpub/192
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1192&context=ers_facpub
Description
Summary:An ∼6‐year long period of volcanic sulfate recorded in the GISP2 ice core about 71,100 ± 5000 years ago may provide detailed information on the atmospheric and climatic impact of the Toba mega‐eruption. Deposition of these aerosols occur at the beginning of an ∼1000‐year long stadial event, but not immediately before the longer glacial period beginning ∼67,500 years ago. Total stratospheric loading estimates over this ∼6‐year period range from 2200 to 4400 Mt of H2SO4 aerosols. The range in values is given to compensate for uncertainties in aerosol transport. Magnitude and longevity of the atmospheric loading may have led directly to enhanced cooling during the initial two centuries of this ∼1000‐year cooling event.

Similar Items