Eastern Kamchatka is one of the most active volcanic zones of Russia, where the volcanic arc is bending. Because of this, volcanoes are actively growing in this region. Ivan Makhotkin, chief specialist of the All-Russian Institute of Mineral Resources and leading researcher of the Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits RAS, recently warned that a powerful eruption of Shiveluch volcano may have an impact on the environment.
The mass formation of ash that rose to a height of more than ten kilometers could lead to the formation of a “blanket” of ash particles, which are glass balls and reflect the sun’s rays. This could lead to a cooling of the earth. However, ash is always fertile for soil.
Science knows of many instances where volcanic eruptions have resulted in cold weather. In 1991, for example, the eruption of the Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines caused a cooling of 0.5 degrees Celsius on Earth. In 1815, the eruption of Tambora volcano on the island of Sumbawa in Indonesia led to a year without summer in 1816 in North America and Europe.
Volcanic eruptions are among the most dangerous natural phenomena that can lead to serious consequences for the environment and human life. However, scientists continue to study the process and develop new methods to prevent its negative consequences.
