Scientists Identify Volcanic Impact on Cold Summers in Norway

Researchers in northern Norway have identified 'blue rings' in tree and shrub growth samples, which provide evidence of extreme cold summers caused by past volcanic eruptions. These blue rings indicate that the plant cells did not lignify properly due to insufficient warm days, revealing periods of abnormal cold in 1902 and 1877, likely linked to eruptions from Mount Pelée and Cotopaxi. The study, led by Dr. Agata Buchwal, involved analyzing samples from 25 Scots pine trees and 54 juniper shrubs, with blue rings appearing more frequently in pine trees. The findings highlight the adaptability of junipers to cold conditions, as they exhibited fewer blue rings compared to pines. The research aims to shed light on climatic patterns and improve our understanding of historical climate change. Buchwal emphasizes the importance of these studies in reconstructing the Earth's climatic history with greater accuracy.