Abstract:

Major volcanic eruptions leave traces in polar ice mainly as strong acids like sulphuric acid. Historical volcanism can be detected in polar ice by continuous ECM (Electrical Conductivity Method) measurements or sulfate concentrations in melted samples, while known volcanic eruptions may be used to date ice cores. Volcanic signals preserved in polar ice cores depend on not only the magnitude, type, geographical location and composition of acid gases from volcanic eruptions, but also atmospheric aerosol transportation efficiency, local annual accumulation and post depositional process at precipitation sites, and so on. A single volcanic eruption usually lead to relative climate cooling of several months to a few years on hemispherical or even global scale, but further work is needed to improve understanding of the climate volcanism connection and the effects of large scale volcanic eruptions on long term (several decades or more) climate changes.