Scientists have identified the location of a long-standing geological mystery – a volcano that erupted in 1831 with such force that it significantly affected Earth’s climate. The eruption, deemed the most powerful of the 19th century, released a substantial amount of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, causing a drop of approximately 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in the annual average temperatures of the Northern Hemisphere. By examining ice cores from Greenland dating back almost two centuries, researchers were able to pinpoint the volcanic glass shards that led them to the Zavaritskii volcano on the remote Simushir Island in the disputed Kuril Islands archipelago.
The aftermath of this volcanic event had long-lasting consequences. A severe heat wave, known as “the Blob,” occurred between 2014 and 2016, stretching from California to the Gulf of Alaska. This marine heat wave claimed the lives of around 4 million common murres in Alaska, representing half of the state’s population of these seabirds. The loss of such a significant predator in the marine food web has had a lasting impact, as highlighted by wildlife biologist Brie Drummond.
In a separate discovery, researchers announced the identification of several new species in 2024, including a pygmy pipehorse off the coast of South Africa. Additionally, a moth inadvertently transported from South America to Wales led to the naming of a previously unknown species. This ongoing exploration and identification of new creatures provide valuable insights into the diversity of life on our planet.
Further scientific developments include efforts to address environmental challenges such as microplastic pollution. Scientists in China have developed biodegradable sponges made from squid bones and cotton to combat this pervasive threat found everywhere from Mount Everest to the deepest ocean trenches. Additionally, a homeowner in New York’s Orange County unearthed a complete mastodon jaw while gardening, underscoring the continued relevance of paleontological discoveries in modern times.
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