Volcanic winters and marine cold spells: Uneven responses across the global ocean (IMAGE)
Caption
Illustration of how major volcanic eruptions can influence marine cold spells across the world’s oceans. Sulfur-rich aerosols released into the atmosphere reduce incoming sunlight, contributing to temporary changes in ocean temperatures. Analysis of six major eruptions between 1883 and 1991 revealed positive global marine cold-spell cumulative-intensity anomalies following the eruptions after accounting for selected climate variability and long-term trends. However, responses differed considerably across ocean regions. The central map shows long-term trends in marine cold-spell cumulative intensity during 1850–2024. The globe is an illustrative visualization of spatially uneven ocean responses.
Credit
Raven Quilestino-Olario. Scientific maps and charts adapted from Kempert and Quilestino-Olario (2026), Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research, DOI: 10.34133/olar.0177. The globe illustration was created in R. The volcanic eruption and ocean-horizon illustrations are publication-licensed Canva stock content, assembled by the author using Canva for Education under the Canva Content License Agreement (accessed October 23, 2026).
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For online/electronic publication and noncommercial science communication, subject to the Canva Content License Agreement and applicable third-party content restrictions. Permission for other uses, including redistribution or commercial use, should be confirmed with the rights holder.
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