Potential atmospheric impact of the Toba mega-eruption {approx}71,000 years ago

Journal Article · Mon Apr 15 00:00:00 EDT 1996 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/96GL00706· OSTI ID:245189

Zielinski, G A; Mayewski, P A; Meeker, L D; Whitlow, S; Twickler, M S ^[1]; Taylor, K ^[2]

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1. Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham, NH (United States)
2. Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States)

An {approx}6 year-long period of volcanic sulfate recorded in the GISP2 ice core about 71,000 {+-} 5000 years ago may provide detailed information on the atmospheric and climate impact in the Toba mega-eruption. Deposition of these aerosols occur beginning of an {approx}1000-year long stadial event, but not immediately before the longer glacial period beginning {approx}67,500 years ago. Total stratospheric loading estimates over this {approx}6 year period range from 2200 to 4400 Mt of H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} 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 {approx}1000-year cooling event. 25 refs., 2 fig., 1 tab.

• OSTI ID: 245189
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 23, Issue 8; Other Information: PBD: 15 Apr 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
VOLCANISM
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
PALEOCLIMATOLOGY
VOLCANIC GASES