Volcanic eruptions and solar activity

• Main Author: Stothers, Richard B.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1989
• Subjects: 46; Greenland; ice core
• Online Access: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19900033508

The historical record of large volcanic eruptions from 1500 to 1980 is subjected to detailed time series analysis. In two weak but probably statistically significant periodicities of about 11 and 80 yr, the frequency of volcanic eruptions increases (decreases) slightly around the times of solar minimum (maximum). Time series analysis of the volcanogenic acidities in a deep ice core from Greenland reveals several very long periods ranging from about 80 to about 350 yr which are similar to the very slow solar cycles previously detected in auroral and C-14 records. Solar flares may cause changes in atmospheric circulation patterns that abruptly alter the earth's spin. The resulting jolt probably triggers small earthquakes which affect volcanism.