Volcanic Eruptions (Indonesia) #3

Case Study 2: 1816 -“Year Without a Summer”
After-Effects of the 1815 Eruption – Climatic Changes

1816 is the second coldest year in the northern hemisphere since CE 1400. The eruption also produced at least 1011 kg of SO4, leading to average global temperatures decreased about 0.4–0.7 °C (0.7–1.3 °F).

“In the spring and summer of 1816, a persistent dry fog was observed in the northeastern U.S. The fog reddened and dimmed the sunlight, such that sunspots were visible to the naked eye. Neither wind nor rainfall dispersed the "fog". It was identified as a stratospheric sulfate aerosol veil.”

“In summer 1816, countries in the Northern Hemisphere suffered extreme weather conditions.”

“On 4 June 1816, frosts were reported in Connecticut, and by the following day, most of New England was gripped by the cold front.”

“On 6 June 1816, snow fell in Albany, New York, and Dennysville, Maine. Such conditions occurred for at least three months and ruined most agricultural crops in North America.”

“Canada experienced extreme cold during that summer. Snow 12 inches deep accumulated near Quebec City from 6 to 10 June 1816.”

“In May 1816, frost killed off most of the crops that had been planted, and in June two large snowstorms in eastern Canada and New England resulted in many human deaths.”

“Rainfall was also unusually high across much of Europe during the summer of 1815.”

“Temperatures in western and central Europe were 1-2 º C cooler than the average for the period 1810-1819.”