New Proposal for Laacher See Volcano’s Eruption Date Challenges Previous Findings

A fresh perspective on the eruption date of the Laacher See volcano has been put forth by researchers, indicating a discrepancy of 130 years compared to the previously established radiocarbon-based date. This divergence is attributed to contamination by volcanic carbon, rendering the prior date inaccurate. The revision is substantiated by a sulfur anomaly detected in Greenland’s ice sheet and the characteristics of past volcanic eruptions.

In a recent scientific paper, experts question the precision of the radiocarbon dating used to pinpoint the eruption of the Laacher See volcano, initially believed to have occurred 13,000 years ago. They argue that the eruption likely transpired 12,880 years ago, which is notably later than the date proposed by Reinig et al. in 2021.

The research consortium, which includes scholars from esteemed institutions such as Durham University, University of Oxford, Royal Holloway University of London, SYSTEMIQ Ltd., and Teesside University, suggests that the radiocarbon dating could have been compromised by the presence of volcanic carbon.

The earlier date, presented by Reinig et al., was established through radiocarbon analysis of trees engulfed in the eruption’s pyroclastic flows, situated in close proximity to the volcano. However, volcanoes release carbon dioxide from the underlying magma chamber, and this gas permeates the soil and is absorbed by vegetation, including trees.

Crucially, this magmatic carbon dioxide lacks radiocarbon content, as it represents ancient carbon that has been in the earth for millions of years. Consequently, the incorporation of this inert carbon into the trees results in an erroneously older date. Additionally, researchers highlight the identification of a recently reported surge in sulfur concentration within Greenland’s ice sheet. This sulfur deposition follows eruptions and accumulates on the ice sheet’s surface, getting buried under subsequent layers of snow.

Remarkably, this sulfur spike corresponds to a time approximately 12,870 years ago, mirroring the adjusted eruption date of 12,880 years ago, further casting doubt on Reinig et al.’s timeline. The team emphasizes that this new date does not align with a substantial sulfur increase.

Professor James Baldini from Durham University, the lead author of the study, reflects on these findings: “Our research underscores that the previously proposed eruption date disregards the presence of inert carbon emitted by the volcano, which is absorbed by trees. Consequently, the trees examined in Reinig et al.’s study were tainted by this volcanic carbon, yielding an age that is approximately 130 years too old.”

Baldini adds, “This conclusion is reinforced by the identification of a substantial sulfur anomaly in the Greenland ice sheet, demonstrating characteristics akin to the Laacher See eruption. This anomaly is dated 130 years after Reinig et al.’s new date. Consequently, the eruption still remains a plausible catalyst for the Younger Dryas Event.”

Reinig et al.’s 2021 publication had assigned a date to the German volcanic eruption that is roughly 130 years older than the previous consensus.

The researchers highlight earlier studies that indicate magmatic carbon dioxide can lead to radiocarbon dates that are between a few decades and 200 years too old, aligning with the 130-year disparity between the previous consensus and Reinig et al.’s recent findings.

The eruption of the Laacher See volcano had far-reaching impacts, distributing ash across Europe and dispersing sulfur globally. The resulting ash is frequently employed as a chronological marker in sedimentary sequences within Europe, underscoring the importance of accurately dating the eruption in understanding historical environmental changes.

Reference: “Possible magmatic CO2 influence on the Laacher See eruption date” by James U. L. Baldini, Richard J. Brown, Fabian B. Wadsworth, Alice R. Paine, Jack W. Campbell, Charlotte E. Green, Natasha Mawdsley, and Lisa M. Baldini, 5 July 2023, Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05965-1

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More about Eruption Controversy

• Nature Article: “Possible magmatic CO2 influence on the Laacher See eruption date”
• Durham University News Release: “New Study Challenges Eruption Date of German Volcano”
• University of Oxford News: “Revised Eruption Date for Laacher See Volcano”
• Royal Holloway University of London News: “Laacher See Volcano Eruption Date Revisited”
• Teesside University News: “New Insights into Laacher See Volcano’s Eruption Date”