Unexplained volcanic eruption

An unexplained volcanic eruption is a major volcanic event known primarily through indirect evidence such as sulfate spikes in polar ice cores, tree ring anomalies, and historical climate impacts. They are sometimes referred to as mystery volcanic eruptions because the exact source of the material is unknown. Because evidence for them is indirect, precise details are unknown but some of these events were later identified through further research.

These eruptions can have significant climate impacts by creating a volcanic winter event where material from the eruption decreases the amount of solar energy reaching the earth for a period. These global cooling episodes can have significant societal impacts. Many of these unexplained eruptions are believed to have occurred in remote tropical regions where there are limited historical records from the period as well as limited modern scientific data on many volcanoes.