Scientists say massive Pacific Ring of Fire eruptions may have cooled Earth for centuries

A study in Nature found that over 80% of Holocene glacial advances occurred within chronological uncertainty of at least one large eruption of magnitude 7 or higher in the northern hemisphere.

Researchers compiled data on largest known Holocene eruptions north of 20°S and 22 major glacial advances from moraine records across 17 regions.

Monte Carlo simulations showed all known exceptionally large eruptions of magnitude 7 or above fell within chronological uncertainty of a glacial advance, with 72% showing evidence of glacial advance in both hemispheres, significant at 99% confidence.

Several of the most significant eruptions originated from volcanoes along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense seismic activity.

Volcanic sulphur aerosols cause atmospheric cooling and reduce solar radiation, potentially intensifying cold events like the 8.2 ka event.